Container Closure Metering Structure for Viscous Liquid Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container closures for viscous liquids like ketchup face issues with uncontrolled outflow, complex manufacturing, and the need for movable sealing lips that are prone to malfunction and require high initial pressure, leading to undesirably high discharge rates.
Innovation Solution
A container closure design featuring a metering unit with an annular groove and buffer volume, which includes a channel and dispensing opening, allowing for metered dispensing without movable sealing lips, and a buffer volume to stabilize liquid flow and prevent leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a movable sealing lip is used to prevent uncontrolled outflow, then sealing performance is improved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases due to susceptibility to malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the movable sealing lip from the system entirely. Instead of using a complex movable sealing mechanism, the invention employs a simple annular groove structure that passively controls liquid flow through its geometry alone, eliminating the need for movable parts while maintaining sealing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The annular groove structure performs the sealing and flow control function automatically through its geometric design. The groove's dimensions and position create natural flow resistance that regulates liquid discharge without requiring any active control elements or movable components.
2Reliability
If a movable sealing lip is used to control liquid flow, then sealing is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to high initial pressure requirements and susceptibility to mishandling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the movable sealing lip that caused operational difficulties. The replacement annular groove structure requires no user interaction to function, removing the problems of high initial pressure requirements and sensitivity to mishandling while maintaining flow control.
3Measurement precision
If a complex labyrinth of channels is used for metered dispensing, then metering precision is improved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the flow control function into two distinct elements: the annular groove for flow regulation and the buffer volume for metering. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function efficiently with simple geometry, avoiding the need for a complex labyrinthine channel structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from complex three-dimensional labyrinth channels to simpler two-dimensional annular grooves combined with a buffer volume. This dimensional simplification maintains metering precision while dramatically reducing structural complexity and manufacturing difficulty.
4Reliability
If a movable sealing lip is used to prevent uncontrolled outflow, then sealing performance is improved, but ease of manufacture worsens due to complex manufacturing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the movable sealing lip that requires complex manufacturing processes. The annular groove structure can be formed using simple injection molding or other basic manufacturing techniques, dramatically improving ease of manufacture while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
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
Enables easy, precise, and cost-effective metering of viscous liquids, preventing leakage and sudden pressure changes, while simplifying manufacturing and ensuring consistent discharge rates.
Implementation Method 1
this ensures that the liquid flows along an inner surface that defines the volume and is thus subjected to a certain amount of friction. This is particularly advantageous because it slows the liquid down accordingly.
Implementation Method 2
a buffer volume to stabilize liquid flow and prevent leakage
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a container and to a container closure (100). The container closure (100) comprises a main body (1) for fastening to a container, and a metering unit (2) for the metered dispensing of a liquid. The metering unit (2) has a metering body (4) comprising a discharge opening (21), and has a channel (22) adjoining the discharge opening (21). The channel (22) extends in the direction of the container and forms, together with the metering unit (2), an annular groove (23). A metering cap (3) is arranged on the metering unit (2). A metering cap (3) closes the annular groove (23) to form an annular volume (V). The annular volume (V) is connected to a buffer volume (27) by a first opening (24) and to the channel (22) by a second opening (25). The first opening (24) and the second opening are arranged such that any liquid that flows from the first opening (24) to the second opening (25) passes through the annular volume (V), at least along a portion of the annular volume (V), in a direction around the channel (22).