Container Closure With Retaining Tongue for Lid Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container closures with articulated lids require a large swivel area of approximately 200 degrees for locking, which is impractical for users.
Innovation Solution
The container closure features a sealing element with a holding tongue that can be stored in two open positions, allowing the lid to be fixed at different inclination angles, thereby simplifying handling and improving user-friendliness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the locking mechanism uses two projections to engage, then the lid can be locked in the open position, but the lid must be swivelled by a large range of approximately 200 degrees which is inconvenient for the user
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is segmented into two functional parts: a sealing ring for closing the container and a retaining tongue for locking in the open position. This segmentation allows the locking function to be achieved with a reduced swivel range of approximately 100 degrees, as the retaining tongue can engage with the retaining ring at intermediate angles without requiring the full 200 degrees needed by the projection-based locking mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element has different heights at different locations: the retaining tongue portion is higher than the sealing ring portion. This local quality difference enables the retaining tongue to engage with the retaining ring at a reduced swivel angle, providing reliable locking in the open position while requiring less rotational movement from the user
2Reliability
If the lid is kept closed to prevent soiling and loss, then the lid remains secure, but the user cannot easily access the container contents
Solution Approach 1:
The lid transitions from a static closed position to a dynamic open position through the hinged connection. The retaining tongue mechanism dynamically locks the lid in the open position at approximately 100 degrees swivel angle, allowing easy access to contents while maintaining secure attachment. The hinge allows smooth transition between states without requiring complete detachment
3Device complexity
If the sealing element has uniform height around the circumference, then the structure is simple, but the retaining tongue cannot effectively engage with the pouring opening edge
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element features non-uniform height distribution: the retaining tongue is higher than the sealing ring. This local quality variation enables the retaining tongue to protrude and engage with the pouring opening edge or upper edge of the retaining ring, providing reliable mechanical interlocking. The height difference creates a tongue-like shape that can be elastically deformed for engagement while maintaining structural simplicity overall
4Ease of operation
If the lid is positioned far from the pouring opening, then the lid does not interfere with the pouring stream, but the lid cannot serve as a spillage guard
Solution Approach 1:
The lid can be dynamically positioned in different open positions: a first open position where it is further from the pouring opening to avoid interference with the pouring stream, and a second open position where it is closer to serve as a spillage guard. The hinged connection with retaining tongue allows smooth transition between these positions based on pouring needs
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
This design allows for easier adjustment of the lid to the container's filling status, enhancing user convenience and simplifying the pouring process.
Implementation Method 1
The retaining tongue can be elastically deformed when pressed against the open edge of the pouring opening
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a container closure (11) made from plastic and comprising a retaining ring (13) for fastening the closure (11) to a container (29) with an upper and a lower edge (35, 36), a lid (15) connected to the retaining ring (13), an articulation (17), which connects the lid (15) to the retaining ring (13) and about which the lid (15) can be pivoted relative to the retaining ring (13) from a closed position into a first open position and vice versa, and a sealing element (25), which is formed on the inside of the lid (15) and is able to seal a pouring opening (27) of the container (29) in the closed position. The container closure (11) further comprises a first projection (21), which is formed on the retaining ring (13), and a second projection (23), which is formed on the lid (15). The first and the second projection (21, 23) engage in one another in the first open position, locking the lid (15) in the first open position. The sealing element (25) has one height and has a retaining tongue (39), with the height of the sealing element (25) being higher in the area of the articulation (17) than on the remaining circumference of the sealing element (25). The lid (15) can be pivoted into a second open position, in which the retaining tongue (39) can rest against the open edge (47) of the pouring opening (27) or the upper edge (35) of the retaining ring (13).