Closure Flap Actuation via Sliding Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container closures for particulate and powdered materials often require direct user engagement for opening, which can be inconvenient and may lead to accidental opening due to external interference.
Innovation Solution
A closure system featuring a body portion with a skirt and end wall, a pivotally movable flap, and a user interface that slides to indirectly open the flap, secured by a retaining member that covers the flap and interface, allowing for easy operation within the container's periphery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flap is provided on the closure for dispensing materials, then the dispensing function is improved, but the closure becomes more prone to accidental opening and requires direct user engagement which is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the user interface with sliding arrow indicator) that mediates between the user and the flap. Instead of directly grasping and lifting the flap, the user slides the user interface along the predetermined path, which then actuates the flap through the indicator's movement. This intermediary action reduces direct engagement with the flap itself, thereby preventing accidental opening while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the traditional vertical lifting motion of opening a flap into a horizontal sliding motion along the side wall of the container. The user interface slides in a direction substantially parallel to the end wall, and the arrow indicator moves along a predetermined path that converts this sliding motion into flap opening. This dimensional change from vertical to horizontal operation improves ergonomics and reduces the risk of accidental activation.
2Ease of operation
If the user interface extends beyond the outer periphery of the body portion for easy engagement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the uniform appearance of the container is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface is nested within the outer periphery of the body portion when viewed from the top. The sliding arrow indicator and user interface elements are contained within the circular outline defined by the body portion's outer periphery. This nesting arrangement allows the user interface to be easily engaged from the side without protruding beyond the container's overall shape, thereby maintaining a uniform and aesthetically pleasing appearance while preserving operational ease.
3Device complexity
If direct user engagement of the flap is required, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to inconvenient direct grasping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the user interface with sliding arrow indicator) that mediates between the user and the flap. Instead of directly grasping and lifting the flap, the user slides the user interface along the predetermined path, which then actuates the flap through the indicator's movement. This intermediary action reduces direct engagement with the flap itself, thereby preventing accidental opening while maintaining ease of operation.
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 solution provides a convenient and secure method for opening and closing the container without direct user engagement, reducing the likelihood of accidental openings and maintaining a uniform appearance.
Implementation Method 1
a flap configured for pivotal movement between a closed position and an open position
Implementation Method 2
a user interface configured for sliding movement in a direction substantially parallel to the end wall and indirect opening of the flap
Data Source
AI summary
A closure is provided that is configured to fit over a mouth of a receptacle to form a container. The closure includes a body portion having an open bottom formed of a skirt that defines an outer periphery of the body portion and an end wall defining at least one dispensing aperture. The closure also includes a member supported at the end wall. The member has a flap configured for pivotal movement and a user interface configured for sliding movement. The sliding movement of the user interface causes the pivotal movement of the flap. The closure further includes a retaining member coupled to the body portion for securing the member to the body portion. The retaining member at least partially covers the flap and the user interface.