Dispensing Closure Spud Rim Droplet Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional container closures fail to accommodate easy shaking and dispensing of liquids while ensuring proper closure, often leading to leakage and product loss due to accumulated droplets on the spud interior.

Innovation Solution

A dispensing closure system with a spout and lid that includes a spud with a hollow interior and a rim to catch droplets, along with a lid rim to prevent leakage, allowing for easy opening and closing while maintaining product containment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the closure lid is opened to expose the spout dispensing passage for easy dispensing, then the liquid product can flow freely, but accumulated droplets on the spud interior cause leakage and product loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing operationVSAvoidproduct loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of accumulated droplets on the spud interior into a beneficial feature by designing a spud with a hollow interior that intentionally collects these droplets. The rim structure then directs the collected liquid back into the container, transforming what would be leakage into a controlled return flow that prevents product loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Loss of substance

If the spud hollow interior is designed to catch droplets with a rim structure, then product loss is reduced, but the closure device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct lossVSAvoidclosure structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the droplet collection function with the existing spud structure by forming a hollow interior directly within the spud body. The rim is integrated as part of the spud's geometry rather than being a separate component, thereby adding the droplet-catching functionality without significantly increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If the closure is designed for easy shaking and dispensing of liquids, then the dispensing speed is improved, but leakage and improper closure occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing speedVSAvoidclosure sealing

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by collecting droplets on the spud interior surface during the shaking and dispensing operation before they can cause leakage. The rim structure is pre-positioned to intercept and redirect liquid flow, ensuring that even during rapid dispensing movements, the closure maintains proper sealing and prevents unintended leakage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8474646B2Closure having a drip minimizing lid

Publication Date: 2013.07.02 APTARGROUP INC

AI summary

A dispensing closure system is provided for a container that has an opening to the container interior. The preferred embodiment of the system includes a closure having a closure body for extending from the container at the container opening and a lid hingedly attached to the closure body. The closure body has a dispensing spout, and the lid includes a hollow spud for entering the spout. A spud rim can be provided on the spud, extending inwardly towards the hollow interior of the spud. A lid rim can additionally or alternatively be provided on the inside surface of the lid, positioned within the hollow interior of the spud.