Composite Package Closure with Rib-Linked Thread Elements
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closures and opening devices for pourable food packages, such as those used in Tetra Brik Aseptic packages, require improvement for better functionality and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A composite closure system is introduced, comprising a polymer-based opening device with a fiber-based cover, featuring a base structure with ribs and through-holes, and a threading mechanism for controlled opening and closing, which is applied to a multilayer packaging material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a polymer-based closure is used, then the closure provides good sealing and pouring functionality, but the closure may be prone to deformation or lack stability
Solution Approach 1:
The closure is constructed as a composite structure comprising an inner closure made of polymer material and an outer closure made of fiber-based material. The polymer inner closure provides flexible sealing and pouring functionality, while the fiber-based outer closure provides structural stability and rigidity. This composite material approach resolves the contradiction by combining materials with complementary properties.
2Weight of moving object
If material usage is reduced to make the closure lighter, then the closure weight decreases, but the structural stability and strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The composite structure combines lightweight polymer material for the inner closure with fiber-based material for the outer closure. This allows the overall closure to remain lightweight while the fiber-based outer layer provides the necessary structural strength and stability, resolving the contradiction between weight reduction and strength maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure is divided into two functional segments: an inner polymer closure that performs the sealing and pouring function with minimal material, and an outer fiber-based closure that provides structural support. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall material usage while maintaining strength.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple closure design is used, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the opening and closing control may be less precise
Solution Approach 1:
The closure incorporates a threading mechanism with threaded portions on both the inner and outer closures, replacing simple snap-fit or friction-based closing mechanisms. This threaded mechanical system provides precise control over opening and closing while remaining compatible with standard manufacturing processes for threaded components.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
There is described a closure (10) for an opening device (3), the closure (10) comprising a main wall (13) configured to be arranged on a pouring outlet of a collar of the opening device (3), a support ring (15) displaced from the main wall (13) along a longitudinal axis (B), a plurality of ribs (16) interposed between and connected to the main wall (13) and the support ring (15) and being angularly displaced from one another about the longitudinal axis (B) and a first threading (20) configured to interact with a second threading protruding from the collar. The first threading (20) comprises a plurality of thread elements (21) disconnected from one another, each thread element (21) being connected to and protruding from only one respective rib (16).