Container Cap Retaining Ring Structure for Attached Reclosure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing caps for containers allow the closing element to detach completely from the retaining ring upon first opening, leading to potential misplacement or loss of the closing element, and require additional mechanisms to prevent rotation during use.
Innovation Solution
A cap design with a circumferentially interrupted separating line and a projection that allows the closing element to remain connected to the retaining ring, featuring cuts and a free portion for axial movement, ensuring stable locking and easy reattachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the separating line extends circumferentially for the entire lateral wall, then the closing element can completely detach from the retaining ring upon opening, but this leads to accidental or intentional separation and disposal of the closing element, interfering with proper waste disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The separating line is segmented circumferentially, creating an interruption that prevents complete detachment. The separating line extends around the lateral wall but is broken at one point, allowing the closing element to detach partially while remaining connected through the joining zone, thus preventing loss while enabling opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The joining zone acts as an intermediary connection between the closing element and retaining ring. This intermediate structure allows the elements to remain connected during disposal while still permitting the opening function to occur through breaking of breakable bridges in other zones.
2Reliability
If the separating line is circumferentially interrupted to leave the closing element joined to the retaining ring, then the closing element remains attached for proper disposal, but special devices are needed to prevent rotation and falling due to gravity during pouring
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral wall has different structural qualities in different zones: the joining zone maintains connection between elements, while the pouring zone includes features like protrusions or notches that locally prevent rotation. This localized differentiation allows the structure to remain simple overall while providing specific functional qualities where needed.
3Reliability
If the closing element remains connected to the retaining ring in the open condition, then proper waste disposal is facilitated, but the design requires circumferential interruption of the separating line which may affect structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The separating line is segmented to create a joining zone that maintains structural connection. By strategically placing the circumferential interruption in a location that does not compromise the overall structural integrity of the lateral wall, the design enables both proper disposal and maintains sufficient strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural parameters of the lateral wall are adjusted in different zones: the joining zone has modified geometry to allow connection, while other zones maintain full structural integrity. The thickness, reinforcement, or cross-sectional area may be varied locally to compensate for the interruption.
Data Source
AI summary
A closing cap for a container that includes a lateral wall and a transversal wall positioned at one end of the lateral wall, a separating line on the lateral wall to define a retaining ring, which is configured to remain anchored to the neck of the container, and a closing element removably engageable with the neck to open or close the container. The separating line extends around the axis and is circumferentially interrupted to define a joining zone that extends circumferentially for a first angular portion, in which the retaining ring and the closing element are joined. The lateral wall has a first and second cuts and a projection which projects from the lateral wall, wherein the first and the second cuts extend circumferentially within a second angular portion which is contained in the first angular portion, the projection being between the first and the second cuts.