Orientable Closure Thread with Thickness Step Stop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orientable closures are susceptible to damage when overturned, causing them to lose their intended orientation relative to the container.
Innovation Solution
A screw thread design with two distinct portions of different thicknesses, forming a continuous thread with a step and flat abutment face, preventing further rotation and ensuring the closure maintains a predetermined orientation when fully screwed on, using a standard screw thread configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a closure is made orientable with hinges and offset parts, then the closure can be positioned in a particular orientation relative to the container, but the closure components are susceptible to damage if the closure is overturned and loses orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The screw thread is divided into two distinct portions: a first portion with a first thickness and a second portion with a second thickness greater than the first. This segmentation creates a stepped configuration that provides a mechanical stop to prevent over-rotation and orientation loss, while maintaining the orientable functionality of the closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The thicker second portion of the screw thread acts as an intermediary element that provides a physical barrier or stop. When the container thread engages with the closure thread, the thicker second portion prevents the container from rotating beyond a predetermined orientation, thereby protecting the closure components from damage due to over-rotation or overturning.
2Ease of operation
If a closure is made orientable with hinges and offset parts, then the closure can be positioned in a particular orientation relative to the container, but the closure loses its orientation if overturned
Solution Approach 1:
The screw thread features an asymmetric design with two portions of different thicknesses. The thicker second portion creates an asymmetric profile that provides a one-way stop, allowing rotation in one direction up to a predetermined point but preventing rotation beyond that point. This asymmetric configuration ensures the closure maintains its intended orientation and cannot be overturned to lose its positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The thickness parameter of the screw thread is varied along its length, creating a stepped configuration. The first portion has a first thickness that allows initial engagement, while the second portion has a greater second thickness that provides a mechanical stop. This parameter change ensures stable orientation by preventing the closure from rotating beyond the predetermined position.
3Manufacturing precision
If a screw thread with two different portions of different thicknesses is used, then the closure maintains predetermined orientation, but the screw thread complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the orientation-finding function and the orientation-locking function into a single integrated screw thread structure. The two portions of different thicknesses are combined in sequence along the same thread, eliminating the need for separate orientation mechanisms or additional components. This integration achieves precise predetermined orientation while minimizing device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
An orientatable closure (10) for a container (20) is provided. The closure comprises a body with a screw thread (50), the thread comprising a first portion 870) having a first thickness and a second portion (75) having a second thickness. The first and second thicknesses are different and the interface between the first and second portions defines a stop such that a co-operating screw thread (55) on a container cannot be rotated passed the interface, whereby to define a predetermined relative orientation between the closure and container.