Container Closure Lever Mechanism for Leak-Proof Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Paint containers with ultrasonically welded rims face issues such as trapped paint, reduced opening size, disposal problems, and frequent leakages due to the rim's presence, as well as difficulties in accessing contents without damaging the container or closure.
Innovation Solution
A container with a rim spaced apart from the side wall by a flange and a closure featuring a biasing mechanism for snap engagement, eliminating the need for ultrasonic welding and allowing for easy opening and closing without tools, while maintaining a secure seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rim is ultrasonically welded to the container, then the closure can be sealed to the container, but internal pockets form that trap paint and increase manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The rim is extracted from the container structure entirely. Instead of welding a rim to the container, the container opening is designed with a rolled or flared edge that directly receives the closure, eliminating the rim and its associated internal pockets that trap paint.
Solution Approach 2:
The container opening edge is merged with the sealing function. The rolled or flared edge of the container opening serves both as a structural feature for receiving the closure and as part of the sealing mechanism, combining what were previously separate elements (rim and container body) into an integrated structure.
2Reliability
If a rim extends across the container opening, then the closure can be received, but the opening size is reduced and paint becomes trapped during emptying
Solution Approach 1:
The rim is removed from the design, allowing the container opening to maintain its full cross-sectional area. The closure is received directly by the rolled or flared edge of the container opening without an intervening rim structure that would reduce the opening size.
3Reliability
If a rim is present at the container opening, then the closure can be sealed, but the container is difficult to clean for recycling
Solution Approach 1:
The rim is extracted from the container structure, eliminating the internal pockets and crevices that trap paint and make cleaning difficult. The simplified structure with a rolled or flared opening edge allows for easy washing and recycling.
4Ease of operation
If a tool is inserted into a slot between container and closure to open the container, then the closure can be lifted, but wear and damage occur reducing seal quality
Solution Approach 1:
The closure incorporates an integrated lever arm that extends through the container opening and can be actuated from the outside. This self-contained mechanism allows the user to open the container by pulling the lever without inserting external tools, eliminating wear and damage to the sealing surfaces.
5Ease of operation
If the closure is returned to the container after opening, then the container can be sealed, but leakages occur due to difficulty in achieving a good seal
Solution Approach 1:
The closure design with the lever arm and rolled container opening creates a self-aligning, self-sealing mechanism. When the closure is placed on the container, the lever arm guides it into proper alignment and the rolled edge provides a consistent sealing surface, making it easy to achieve a leak-proof seal even after opening.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a strong, leak-proof seal, eliminates paint splashing, and simplifies the opening process, reducing manufacturing costs and environmental impact by eliminating internal pockets and facilitating easier disposal.
Implementation Method 1
biasing means for sealing the closure wall against an interior wall surface of the container side wall
Implementation Method 2
closure flange which projects from a free end of the closure wall for snap engagement under the locking rib
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to container and a closure for mounting on the container, the container of the type comprising a container body having a base and a side wall with a top edge defining a container opening opposite the base. The container further comprises a rim and a locking rib which projects from a free end of the rim, and the closure comprises a top wall and a skirt having a closure flange which projects from a free end of the closure wall for snap engagement under the locking rib when the closure is inserted into the container opening. The present invention ensures that a strong seal is maintained between the closure and the container so that the container can be opened and closed frequently without leakages between the container and the closure.