Closure Assembly With Segmented Thread Projections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bottle closure systems with threaded caps can be unscrewed and separated from the bottle, leading to unwanted manipulation and recycling issues, as they are often lost during processing and contribute to pollution.
Innovation Solution
A closure assembly with a cap that remains permanently joined to the bottle neck through a discontinuous threaded surface, featuring aligned and separated projections that prevent removal by unscrewing, ensuring secure sealing and easy liquid access via a hinged lid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a threaded cap is used that can be unscrewed and separated from the bottle, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability is worsened due to unwanted manipulation and loss during recycling
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded connection is segmented into discrete projections rather than a continuous thread, allowing the cap to be opened and closed multiple times while preventing complete removal. The projections engage with corresponding features on the bottle neck to allow rotation within a limited range but block unscrewing motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap transitioned from a static threaded connection allowing full separation to a dynamic limited-rotation connection. The segmented threaded surface enables controlled movement (opening/closing) while maintaining attachment, creating a dynamic system that adapts between operational states without complete detachment.
2Ease of operation
If a threaded cap is used that can be unscrewed and separated from the bottle, then ease of operation is improved, but loss during recycling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded connection is segmented into discrete projections rather than a continuous thread, allowing the cap to be opened and closed multiple times while preventing complete removal. The projections engage with corresponding features on the bottle neck to allow rotation within a limited range but block unscrewing motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap and bottle neck are merged into a single functional unit through the limited-rotation threaded connection. This ensures they remain associated during handling and recycling processes, preventing cap loss while still allowing operational opening and closing.
3Reliability
If a discontinuous threaded surface with projections is used, then reliability is improved by preventing cap removal, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded connection is segmented into discrete projections rather than a continuous thread, allowing the cap to be opened and closed multiple times while preventing complete removal. The projections engage with corresponding features on the bottle neck to allow rotation within a limited range but block unscrewing motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded surface has varying local properties - discrete projections in certain areas provide mechanical engagement for limited rotation, while other areas allow controlled movement. This local differentiation enables the cap to open and close while preventing complete removal, achieving reliability without excessive complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Closure assembly comprising a neck (1), which in turn comprises a first threaded surface (3) and a coupling element (4), and a closure cap (2) linked to the neck (1). The cap has a base which surrounds the outside of the neck (1), with an internal face with a second threaded surface (6) able to be coupled to the first threaded surface (3) for a threaded coupling between the neck (1) and the cap (2) with the container. An upper lid, linked to the base, closes the cap. The second threaded surface (6) comprises a plurality of projections (8) aligned and separated from each other to retain the cap (2) on the neck (1) by means of a free rotation between both elements caused by the interaction of said projections (8) with the first threaded surface (3). The projections (8) have first (α) and second (β) angles of inclination.