Closure Tool Dual-Wheel Flange Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand tools for closing food containers, particularly aluminum foil containers, are inefficient due to a single point of contact which leads to slippage and requires multiple relocations, slowing the closure process and posing a risk of injury from sharp edges.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held closure tool with a pair of rotatably mounted wheels having tapered contours that provide two points of contact with the container's peripheral flange, allowing for simultaneous bending and crimping in a single continuous motion, reducing the risk of injury and increasing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single-point contact tool is used to close the container flange, then the tool structure is simple, but the tool slips off the flange requiring multiple relocations which slows the closure process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-point contact tool to a multi-point contact tool by introducing a curved surface that contacts the flange along an arc. This dimensional change from point to line contact allows the tool to engage multiple points simultaneously, preventing slippage and enabling continuous circular motion without relocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool incorporates a curved or arc-shaped contact surface that matches the curvature of the container flange. This curved geometry enables the tool to maintain contact along an arc rather than at a single point, allowing smooth rotational movement around the container perimeter without losing engagement or requiring repositioning.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If fingers are used to bend the vertical flange, then no tool is required, but there is a risk of injury from the sharpness of the foil edge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized tool as an intermediary between the operator and the sharp flange edge. The tool's curved surface engages the flange at a distance from the sharp cutting edge, allowing the operator to apply bending force without direct finger contact with the hazardous sharp edge, thus eliminating injury risk while maintaining closure efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool design converts the potentially harmful sharp edge into a beneficial feature by using the curved surface to guide and control the bending process. The geometry of the tool distributes force along an arc, transforming the concentrated sharp edge into a distributed contact zone that is safe for operation while effectively crimping the flange.
3Temperature
If hot food is being prepared, then it is important to close the container quickly, but the single-point contact tool requires multiple relocations which slows the process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous closure action by designing a tool that maintains contact with the flange throughout the entire circular path. The curved contact surface allows the tool to roll or slide smoothly around the container perimeter in one continuous motion, eliminating the interruptions and relocations inherent in single-point contact tools, thus minimizing closure time and heat loss.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The tool enables quick and safe closure of food containers by stabilizing the contact with the container flange, allowing for a single continuous motion that effectively bends and crimps the flange over the lid, enhancing safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The tapered contour of each of said at least one pair of wheels is simultaneously placed so as to engage the peripheral flange of the container... application of closure tool pressure against said flange while moving the container in a circular direction causes simultaneous bending and crimping action
Data Source
AI summary
A hand-held closure tool for closing a container. Based on the design of the inventive closure tool, a pair of wheels provides two points of contact between the closure tool and the container peripheral flange. This design feature stabilizes the closure tool as the container is moved in a circular fashion. The stability of the closure tool against the peripheral flange of the container enables the closure tool movement to be accomplished in a single, continuous motion.