Screw-on Container Lid with Microthreads and Macrothreads

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing container lid systems face challenges in producing retaining threads that allow easy snap-fastening without manual resumption of screwing, precise snap-fastening, and interference-free operation, while also ensuring retention and ease of unscrewing.

Innovation Solution

The container features an internal lid thread composed of microthreads and an external container thread with a triangular section, forming an acute angle to incise and imprint the microthreads during unscrewing, with a different pitch and height to facilitate snap-fastening and retention, and a tamper-evident strip for security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If fine threads are produced in the lid to allow easy snap-fastening, then snap-fastening ease is improved, but thread depth is insufficient for retention during tear-off attempts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesnap-fastening easeVSAvoidlid retention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The thread structure is segmented into two distinct components: fine microthreads in the lid for easy snap-fastening, and deeper macrothreads in the container for retention. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function independently without interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solution moves from a single-thread-depth dimension to a two-dimensional thread system with different depths in different components. The lid has shallow microthreads while the container has deep macrothreads, creating a depth differential that resolves the contradiction between ease of snapping and retention strength.

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

2Reliability

If deep threads are produced in the lid to ensure retention, then lid retention is improved, but snap-fastening becomes difficult and may require manual resumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelid retentionVSAvoidsnap-fastening ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The thread system is divided into shallow microthreads in the lid and deep macrothreads in the container. This segmentation allows the lid to snap on easily with shallow engagement while the container provides deep retention, eliminating the need for manual resumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different thread depths are applied locally to different components: the lid has shallow microthreads optimized for easy snapping, while the container has deep macrothreads optimized for retention. Each component's thread structure is locally optimized for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple threads are produced to allow both snap-fastening and screwing, then functionality is improved, but thread interference occurs between lid and container threads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedual functionalityVSAvoidthread interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The thread system is segmented into two separate thread systems: microthreads in the lid and macrothreads in the container. This segmentation eliminates interference by ensuring that lid threads and container threads operate at different depths and engagement levels, allowing both snap-fastening and screwing functions without conflict.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solution resolves thread interference by introducing a depth dimension differential. The lid's microthreads engage at a shallow depth for snapping, while the container's macrothreads extend deeper for screwing retention. This dimensional separation prevents thread interference while maintaining dual functionality.

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

4Measurement precision

If fine threads are produced to enable precise snap-fastening without indexing, then snap-fastening precision is improved, but thread depth becomes insufficient for retention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesnap-fastening precisionVSAvoidlid retention
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The thread system is segmented into fine microthreads in the lid for precise snap-fastening alignment and deep macrothreads in the container for retention. This segmentation allows precise positioning during snapping while ensuring adequate thread depth for retention during subsequent screwing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 enhances the tightness of the product, simplifies production, and automates packaging, while ensuring secure snap-fastening and easy unscrewing, with improved sealing and childproof features.

Implementation Method 1

by elastic deformation of the latter, to incise more deeply the drafts of its microthreads

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP1919790B1Container comprising a screw-on/screw-off locking cover
Publication Date: 2011.08.03 PROMENS SA
  • EP1919790B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP1919790B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP1919790B1 patent drawingFigure 7~10

AI summary

The invention relates to a container (1) of the type that comprises a cylindrical body (2) which is equipped with a screw thread (5) for retaining a corresponding removable cover (6) which, in turn, is provided with a complementary retaining screw thread (9). In this way, the threaded cover (6) can be locked on the container (1) with the application of an initial axial pressure and subsequently unscrewed/rescrewed or unscrewed/locked by a user. The invention is characterised in that the internal screw thread (9) in the cover (6) comprises a plurality of micro-threads and in that the external screw thread (5) on the container (1) comprises at least one thread having a height greater than that of the micro-threads in the cover (6).