Container Cap Thread Segmentation for Leakage Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing container designs with pouring spouts and screw caps face challenges in securing the attachment during e-commerce handling, where upright position is not guaranteed and forces or impacts can cause leakage, while also being inconvenient due to the need for multiple turns to screw on and off.

Innovation Solution

The external thread of the pouring spout includes an additional segment of 135 to 225 degrees that serves as a support for the internal thread, enhancing security without increasing the number of turns required to reach the end position, and a stop edge defines the end position to prevent further rotation, along with a radial sealing element for improved sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the external thread has a larger number of windings to improve the hold and security of the attachment, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the number of turns required to screw on and off the attachment increases, making it more difficult to operate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehold of attachment on pouring spoutVSAvoidnumber of turns to screw on and off
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The external thread is segmented into two distinct parts: an effective thread area that forms the undercut for the internal thread, and an additional segment that provides support without extending the screwing path. This segmentation allows the thread to provide both security and ease of operation by separating the functions of engagement and support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The additional segment extends in the circumferential direction beyond the effective thread area, providing support in a dimensional extension that does not translate to increased rotational travel. This allows the attachment to be supported over a larger angular range without requiring additional turns to engage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the external thread is extended to provide better support for the internal thread, then the reliability of the connection under tilting forces and impacts is improved, but the length of the screwing process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport for internal threadVSAvoidscrewing process duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The external thread is divided into an effective thread area and an additional segment. The additional segment provides extended support for the internal thread without requiring the screwing process to continue beyond the effective thread area, thus maintaining quick engagement while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The additional segment provides more support than the minimum required for basic engagement, enhancing the connection's ability to withstand tilting forces and impacts. However, this excessive support is provided in a way that does not extend the screwing process beyond what is necessary for engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Strength

If the effective thread area is increased to improve the undercut for the internal thread, then the strength of the connection is improved, but the number of revolutions required to reach the end position increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strength between threadsVSAvoidnumber of revolutions to end position
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The external thread is segmented into an effective thread area that provides the undercut for the internal thread and an additional segment that provides support. This segmentation ensures that the effective thread area is optimized for strength without requiring an excessive number of revolutions, as the additional segment provides the extra support needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The additional segment is positioned specifically to provide support for the internal thread without extending the effective thread area that forms the undercut. This local addition of support quality allows the connection to be stronger without requiring more revolutions to engage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3544904B1Container with cap
Publication Date: 2020.12.30 HENKEL KGAA
  • EP3544904B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3544904B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3544904B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a container (1) which comprises a cylindrical pouring nozzle (30) with at least one external thread turn (31) and a cap (10), which can be screwed onto the pouring nozzle (30), with at least one internal thread turn (21). With the cap (10) in a screwed-on end position, the external thread turn (31) of the pouring nozzle (30) constitutes, over an effective thread region, an undercut for the internal thread turn (21) of the cap (10). The invention is distinguished in that the external thread turn (31) of the pouring nozzle (30) comprises an additional segment (35) having a segment length which is at least 90 degrees in the circumferential direction and wherein a total length of the thread turn (31) of the pouring nozzle (30) is greater than a length of the effective thread region.