Closure-to-Container Coupling Structure for Leak-Resistant Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid applicator devices face issues with securing the closure to the container, leading to potential separation and leakage during shipment and use, and require additional parts, adhesives, or sonic welding for attachment.

Innovation Solution

A coupling device that uses deformable polymeric materials with projections and depressions on the container and closure to create a semi-permanent seal without adhesives or sonic welding, ensuring a resilient engagement for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a coupling device is designed to accommodate various pipe sizes and types, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling device incorporates a universal coupling mechanism that can connect to different pipe sizes and types through adjustable components. The coupling device includes a first coupling member with a first coupling flange and a second coupling member with a second coupling flange, where the flanges can be adjusted to accommodate various pipe configurations, allowing a single device design to serve multiple connection requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling device employs dynamic adjustment capabilities through movable and adjustable components. The coupling members include adjustable elements that can be positioned at different angles and orientations, allowing the device to adapt to various pipe arrangements. This dynamic adjustability enables the same coupling device to accommodate different pipe sizes and types without requiring multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the coupling device uses standard flange connections, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling device incorporates adjustable parameters in the flange design, including variable hole positions and adjustable coupling member orientations. These parameter changes allow the flanges to accommodate different pipe sizes and types while maintaining standard connection interfaces. The adjustability compensates for manufacturing variations and ensures proper alignment without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling device acts as an intermediary component between different pipe systems. The coupling members include intermediate adjustment mechanisms that mediate between the standard flange connection requirements and the specific pipe configuration needs. This intermediary function allows standard flanges to be used across different pipe types while the adjustable components handle the precision alignment requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the coupling device is designed for easy disassembly and reassembly, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling device is segmented into separate coupling members that can be independently assembled and disassembled. The first coupling member and second coupling member can be separated from the pipe fittings, allowing for easy disassembly and reassembly. This segmentation maintains reliability by ensuring that each component can be properly connected through standardized interfaces while enabling flexible installation and maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4037916B1Coupling device
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 FLOCON INC
  • EP4037916B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4037916B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4037916B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A coupling device is disclosed for coupling a container to a closure. The container has a container sidewall extending between a first container end and a second container end. A container undercut is defined in an outer surface of the container sidewall. The closure has a closure sidewall extending between a first closure end and a second closure end. A closure outer sidewall is located radially outward from the closure sidewall and defines a slot between the closure sidewall and the closure outer sidewall. The second container end is received within the slot of the closure. A major projection and a major depression are located between the second container end and the slot of the closure cooperating for securing the closure to the container. A minor projection and a minor depression located between the container sidewall and the closure sidewall for cooperating for additionally securing the closure to the container.