Internal Closure Extraction Using Push-Then-Pull Seal Breaking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing internal closures from containers, such as corks from bottles, require significant mechanical force, which can lead to damage, spillage, and safety risks due to inconsistent force application and the strength of the stopper-container bond increasing over time.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method using a handle with a fulcrum and internal closure extraction mechanism that applies force to advance the closure into the container to break the seal, utilizing a push lock and ram to control the force and minimize damage, allowing for easier extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional screw-type devices are used to remove internal closures, then the closure can be extracted from the container, but significant force is required which can lead to fracturing of the closure, spillage, vessel breakage, and injury
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary action by inserting the worm into the closure and rotating it to advance the worm into the closure before extraction. This preliminary screwing action secures the closure to the device, allowing controlled extraction without requiring excessive force during the removal phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a static gripping mechanism to a dynamic screwing mechanism. The worm rotates to advance into the closure, creating a dynamic securing action that adapts to the closure's position and tightness, enabling reliable extraction with controlled force application.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the stopper is advanced into the container to break the seal before extraction, then the seal can be broken with controlled force, but the device complexity increases due to additional mechanisms required
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the sealing-breaking function with the extraction function in a single integrated mechanism. The worm serves dual purposes: it secures the closure through screwing and simultaneously pushes the closure into the container to break the seal before extraction, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The worm component performs multiple functions: it acts as a securing mechanism to attach the closure to the device, a pushing mechanism to break the seal by advancing the closure into the container, and an extraction mechanism to pull the closure out. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity.
3Productivity
If the seal is broken by applying force to the closure, then the closure can be removed, but the bond strength increases over time making removal more difficult and risky
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary action by advancing the closure into the container to break the seal before extraction. This preliminary seal-breaking action is performed regardless of how long the closure has been in place, equalizing the removal process for both freshly sealed and aged closures.
Solution Approach 2:
The worm acts as an intermediary mechanism that transfers force from the user to the closure in a controlled manner. It mediates between the user's pulling force and the closure's resistance, allowing gradual force application that prevents sudden breaks or spills regardless of the closure's age and bond strength.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method provides controlled force application to break the seal without damaging the closure, reducing the risk of spillage and injury, and ensuring reliable removal of internal closures from containers.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus includes a handle and a fulcrum, the fulcrum mechanically coupled, at one end, to one end of the handle through a pivot point
Implementation Method 2
The fulcrum includes a container hold mechanism, the container hold mechanism configured to provide purchase on the container, allowing a force to be applied to the handle
Implementation Method 3
the internal closure extraction mechanism configured to extract an internal closure out of an opening in a container when a force is applied to the handle
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for removing an internal closure from a container are described. The method and apparatus include inserting an extracting mechanism into an internal closure located in an opening of a container, the extraction mechanism attached to a handle, the handle being positioned above the opening. The method and apparatus further include applying a first force to the handle in a direction towards the container, the first force being sufficient for the extraction mechanism to break the internal closure-container bond by advancing the internal closure into the container. The method and apparatus further include applying a second force to the handle in a direction opposite the first force, the second force allowing the extraction mechanism to extract the internal closure from the container.