Closure Fitment Radial Engagement Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-bore fitments for container necks lack efficient mechanisms for releasable retention within the closure prior to application and tamper-resistance, complicating product transportation and application.
Innovation Solution
A closure system with a shell and a fitment that features engagement means extending radially outwardly from the body, transitioning from an extended condition to a retracted condition during insertion, allowing releasable retention within the shell and subsequent enclosure within the container neck, enhancing tamper-resistance and convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fitment is retained within the closure using engagement means, then the fitment is securely held during transportation, but the engagement means must be large enough to engage the closure, creating complexity in the insertion process
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement means are designed to be movable relative to the fitment body, transitioning between an extended engagement state during transportation and a retracted state during insertion. This dynamic capability allows the same structure to provide secure retention while enabling simple insertion by collapsing the engagement means within the container neck bore.
2Reliability
If the engagement means extend radially outwardly to engage the closure, then the fitment is releasably retained, but the extended engagement means may interfere with insertion into the container neck
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement means are configured to move between an extended position for engaging the closure shell and a retracted position for passing through the container neck opening. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the engagement means to provide secure retention when needed while disappearing into the container neck during insertion to avoid interference.
Solution Approach 2:
When in the retracted condition, the engagement means are enclosed within the container neck bore, effectively nesting the engagement structure within the container neck space. This nesting allows the engagement means to be stored compactly during insertion while still providing full engagement capability when extended during transportation.
3Ease of operation
If the fitment is designed for easy insertion, then the application process is simplified, but the tamper-resistance may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic engagement means provide tamper-evidence through their state change: they are extended and engaged with the closure during easy application, then automatically retract into the container neck during normal insertion. Any attempt to tamper with the fitment after insertion would require forcing the engagement means against their bias, providing clear tamper evidence while maintaining simple application.
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
Facilitates easy product transportation and application while improving tamper-resistance by ensuring the engagement means are enclosed within the container neck, preventing tampering and simplifying the fitting process.
Implementation Method 1
The engagement means may resiliently engage the shell when in the extended condition.
Implementation Method 2
the engagement means configured to be forced into a retracted condition relative to the body during insertion of the fitment into the container neck
Data Source
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AI summary
A closure (101) for a container neck (301) comprises a shell (102) and a fitment (103). The fitment (103) comprises a body (104) and engagement means (105) that extend radially outwardly from the body (104) and releasably retain the fitment (103) within the shell (102). During application of the closure (101) to the container neck (301), the engagement means (105) is forced from an extended condition into a retracted condition to release the fitment (103) from the shell (102), and the fitment (103) is inserted into the container neck (301) into an operative position.