Connective Bottle Cap Unbreakable Strap Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bottle caps with breakable connections between the closing element and the holding ring tend to detach upon first use, leading to separate disposal of the cup-shaped body and sealing ring, resulting in environmental waste.

Innovation Solution

A connective bottle cap design featuring an unbreakable connection strap between the closing element and the holding ring, which remains intact during the first opening, preventing detachment and allowing for easy unscrewing while maintaining stability and preventing independent disposal of the closing element.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If breakable connections are used between the closing element and the holding ring, then the cup-shaped body can be easily separated from the sealing ring for disposal, but the closing element detaches from the holding ring leading to separate disposal and environmental waste

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of separationVSAvoidenvironmental waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the closing element and holding ring transitions from static breakable bridges to a dynamic unbreakable connection with a hinge joint. The hinge allows relative movement during opening while maintaining connection, enabling the closing element to pivot away from the bottle neck without detaching completely, thus preventing separate disposal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection structure is segmented into multiple functional zones: breakable bridges for initial separation, a hinge joint for controlled movement, and an unbreakable connection strap for maintaining attachment. This segmentation allows different parts to serve different purposes in the opening and disposal process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-generated harmful factors

If an unbreakable connection is established between the closing element and the holding ring, then the closing element remains attached to prevent waste, but the structure becomes more complex with multiple connection components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental wasteVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple connection functions (breakable connection, hinge joint, and unbreakable strap) are merged into a single integrated structure formed from one piece of molded plastic. This combining approach maintains the protective attachment function while avoiding the complexity of assembling multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single-piece molded structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: providing breakable bridges for initial separation, forming a hinge joint for controlled movement, and creating an unbreakable connection strap for maintaining attachment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the separation line is continuous around the circumference, then the closing element can be completely separated from the holding ring, but the closing element cannot be reclosed on the bottle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomplete separationVSAvoidreclosing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The separation line is segmented rather than continuous, creating an interrupted configuration that leaves a gap. This segmentation allows the closing element to pivot away from the bottle neck for disposal while maintaining enough connection through the unbreakable strap to enable reclosing by pivoting back into position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4491532A1Connective bottle cap
Publication Date: 2025.01.15 KING CAN IND
  • EP4491532A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4491532A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4491532A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A connective bottle cap comprising a sidewall (21) extending around an axis and a transverse wall (22) arranged at an end of the sidewall. A separation line (26) extending along the circumference of the lower end of the sidewall and around the axis, a holding ring (27) and a closing element (25) respectively positioned on opposite sides of the separation line. The closing element is defined by the combination of the sidewall and the transverse wall. The holding ring is anchored to a neck of a container, and the closing element can be removably engaged with the neck to open or close the container. Interruption, so that a combining site (31) is formed between the sidewall and the holding ring, a plurality of breakable bridges (30) are arranged along the separation line. A cutting line (32) is provided on the holding ring. The extended arc length of the cutting line is greater than the extended arc length of the combining site. Several breakable elements are arranged along the cutting line. A unbreakable connection strap is formed between the separation line and the cutting line. The unbreakable connection strap combines the holding ring to the combining site.