Container Closure with Oblique Run-on Surfaces for Single-Handed Snap Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container closure systems require complex alignment and two-handed operation for snap connections, making single-handed operation difficult, especially in applications like baby bottles where one hand is typically used.
Innovation Solution
The container and connection part feature obliquely running run-on elements that interact through a rotational movement, allowing for snap connections without specific alignment, with guide elements ensuring rotation and preventing longitudinal alignment, enabling single-handed operation and secure snap-in connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional snap connection systems are used with grooves and engaging elements, then secure connections can be achieved, but complex alignment and two-handed operation are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved run-on surfaces that guide the engaging elements into the grooves through a rotational movement path. The grooves are designed with curved receiving portions that accommodate the rotational entry, transforming the connection action from a precise linear alignment task to a more forgiving rotational motion that can be performed with one hand.
Solution Approach 2:
The run-on elements act as intermediary components that mediate between the user's simple rotational action and the complex requirement of aligning engaging elements with grooves. These run-on surfaces with oblique orientations guide and transform the user's input motion into the precise movements needed for secure connection, eliminating the need for direct manual alignment.
2Reliability
If specific alignment is required for snap connections, then secure fastening can be achieved, but single-handed operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The curved geometry of the run-on surfaces and grooves creates a self-aligning mechanism. As the connection part is rotated, the run-on surfaces naturally guide the engaging elements along a curved path into the receiving portions of the grooves, eliminating the need for precise initial alignment while maintaining secure fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system transitions from a static alignment requirement to a dynamic rotational process. The run-on elements are designed with oblique surfaces that convert rotational motion into the necessary linear and angular movements for engagement, making the connection process adaptive to the user's natural one-handed rotational action.
3Reliability
If grooves are designed for snap-in connections, then secure connections are achieved, but pseudo-fastening can occur under tractive forces
Solution Approach 1:
The grooves are designed with asymmetric receiving portions that have specific geometric features preventing disengagement under tractive forces. The run-on surfaces have oblique orientations that create mechanical interference when pull forces are applied, making it impossible for the engaging elements to accidentally slide out of the grooves while maintaining easy rotational engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved receiving portions of the grooves are designed to cradle the engaging elements in a way that distributes tractive forces along the curved surface rather than allowing direct pull-out. This curved geometry creates a mechanical lock effect that prevents pseudo-fastening while maintaining the simplicity of the snap-in connection.
Data Source
AI summary
A container including at least one connection opening and at least one connection part, wherein grooves and engaging elements are provided as interacting connection elements to connect the container and the connection part, and in the connected state a respective engaging element is arranged in a receiving portion of a groove, which receiving portion is arranged substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the container, wherein the container and the connection part have run-on elements with run-on surfaces which run obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the container, which run-on surfaces interact by means of rotational movement between the container and the connection part, in such a way that the engaging elements can be moved out of the receiving portion of the respective groove and, in a rotated position, the engaging connection between the container and the connection part is released.