Composite Closure Support Braces Prevent Shell Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Decorative closure shells for containers often deform or crush during assembly due to lack of support and inaccurate force application, leading to unusable composite closures.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating support braces, such as ribs or fins, between the inner closure and the closure shell to provide structural support and prevent deformation, while ensuring precise force application through adhesives, mechanical couplings, or crimping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If downward force is applied to couple the closure shell with the inner closure, then the composite closure assembly is formed, but the closure shell deforms or crushes due to lack of structural support

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomposite closure assembly formationVSAvoidclosure shell shape

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The support brace is divided into multiple segments including a first support element and a second support element that are coupled together. This segmentation allows the brace to provide distributed structural support across the closure shell, preventing localized crushing while maintaining overall shell integrity during the coupling process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support brace acts as an intermediary component between the closure shell and the inner closure. It transfers and distributes the coupling forces, preventing direct transmission of crushing forces to the closure shell while enabling reliable formation of the composite closure assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If downward force is applied to couple the closure shell with the inner closure, then the composite closure assembly is formed, but precise control of the force is difficult leading to inaccurate force application

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomposite closure assembly formationVSAvoidforce control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The support brace is installed beforehand between the closure shell and inner closure to provide pre-positioned structural support. This cushioning effect prevents excessive force transmission during coupling, compensating for difficulties in precise force control and protecting the closure shell from damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Shape

If the closure shell is made taller to provide decorative appearance, then aesthetic quality is improved, but the closure shell becomes more susceptible to deformation and crushing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosure shell height and appearanceVSAvoidclosure shell structural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The composite closure assembly combines the decorative closure shell with the support brace structure. This composite construction allows the shell to maintain its tall, aesthetically pleasing form while the integrated support brace provides the additional structural strength needed to prevent deformation and crushing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP3374280B1Composite closure with support brace and method for making the same

Publication Date: 2023.09.13 TECNOCAP LLC

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AI summary

A composite closure assembly includes a closure shell having a closure socket surrounded by a shell wall and a shell end. An inner closure is within the closure socket. The inner closure is fixed to the closure shell. The inner closure includes a closure wall and a closure end. A closure gap is between the shell end and the closure end. A support brace including one or more support braces extends from the closure end to the shell end and bridges the closure gap.