Container Cap Hinge Structure for Stable Open Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing caps with snap-on or internally threaded closures suffer from premature closure, poor hinge performance, and complex mold requirements, leading to increased production costs and cycle times.
Innovation Solution
A cap design featuring a hinge structure with a connection band defined by a cutting line and delimitation lines, allowing for stable open positioning and simplified mold production, using a separation line with less than 360° circumferential extension and recessed connection bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the hinge is made by a simple cutting operation without complicated molds, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability of the hinge performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The separation line is designed to extend circumferentially for less than 360 degrees, segmenting the closure element from the retaining ring while leaving a circumferential portion intact. This creates a hinge structure that maintains reliable connection while enabling simple cutting operation manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection band is recessed towards the inside of the cap, creating a localized structural feature that enhances hinge performance and reliability without requiring complicated mold designs throughout the entire cap structure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the closure element is made to remain open stably, then the harmful factors affecting the user are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure is designed to allow the closure element to rotate and remain stably in the open position rather than simply snapping shut. This dynamic capability prevents the closure element from prematurely closing and hitting the user's mouth or nose, while achieving this through the simple geometric configuration of the separation line and connection band rather than complex mechanical mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A cap for a container comprises: - a retaining ring (2) suitable for being associated with a neck (3) of the container, the retaining ring (2) extending about an axis (Z); - a closure element (4) for opening or closing an opening (5) defined by the neck (3) of the container; - a hinge structure (6; 76; 96; 296) interposed between the closure element (4) and the retaining ring (2) so as to allow the closure element (4) to be rotated relative to the retaining ring (2). The retaining ring (2) and the closure element (4) are separated by a separation line (11; 111), which extends externally of the hinge structure (6; 76; 96; 296). The hinge structure (6; 76; 96; 296) comprises at least one connection band (18; 118; 318; 918) which connects the closure element (4) to the retaining ring (2), the connection band (18; 118; 318; 918) being defined inside a recess (20; 720, 820; 920) provided in a side wall of the cap, the side wall extending about said axis (Z).