Rotatable Closure With Tactile Position Stops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container closures for particulate and powdered materials lack effective mechanisms for secure sealing and adjustable dispensing, often resulting in free rotation of the cover portion which can lead to accidental opening or incomplete closure.
Innovation Solution
A closure system featuring a rotatable cover with tactile and audible position stops, integrated with a handle and raised portions that nest when closed, ensuring secure alignment and adjustable dispensing positions through alignment of cover and body apertures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotatable cover portion is provided on the closure, then adjustable dispensing is enabled, but the cover rotates freely leading to accidental opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates tactile and audible position stops that provide feedback to the user when the cover reaches specific positions (closed, partially open, fully open). This feedback mechanism prevents free rotation by clearly indicating when the cover is properly positioned, thereby preventing accidental opening while maintaining adjustable dispensing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces position stops as intermediary elements between the cover and the base. These stops act as mediators that constrain the cover's rotation to specific predetermined positions, preventing uncontrolled movement while still allowing the cover to rotate for adjustable dispensing when needed.
2Reliability
If position stops are added to the closure, then secure alignment is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The position stops are segmented into discrete, separate components that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing and assembly, as each stop can be produced separately and then integrated into the closure system, reducing overall complexity while maintaining secure alignment functionality.
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 having an open bottom formed of a skirt that defines an outer periphery of the body and an end wall defining at least one body dispensing aperture. A cover has two or more cover dispensing apertures and is rotatably coupled to the body and movable between a dispensing position with at least one of the cover dispensing apertures aligned with the body dispensing aperture, and a closed position. A handle has segments extending between each of the cover dispensing apertures, and one or more cover position stops provide a tactile or an audible indication when the cover is moved to either of the dispensing position or the closed position.