Dispensing Cap Inclined Surfaces Axial Load Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing devices with rotating caps face challenges in maintaining a stable and resistant closed position, especially under axial loads during stacking and transportation, due to the limitations of inexpensive plastic materials used in small production runs.
Innovation Solution
The dispensing device incorporates a design with a base element and movable element connected by a hinge, featuring abutments and inclined surfaces that limit rotation and provide high resistance to axial loads, ensuring stability and reliability in both dispensing and closed positions, utilizing injection-molded plastic materials like PP and PE.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If inexpensive plastic materials are used for injection-moulded dispenser caps, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but stability and resistance to axial loads deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is divided into a stationary part (base element) and a movable part (movable element) that functions independently. The movable element contains the push-button mechanism and is rotatably connected to the base element, allowing the dispensing function to be isolated from the structural support function. This segmentation enables the stationary part to be optimized for strength while the movable part remains simple and inexpensive.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a rotational dimension to the cap mechanism. The movable element can rotate relative to the base element between a closed position (where the first abutment contacts the inclined surface) and an open position. This rotational movement adds a new degree of freedom that enables automatic engagement and disengagement without complex mechanical linkages.
2Device complexity
If simple rotating cap mechanisms are used, then device complexity is reduced, but stability in closed position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined surface is pre-configured to automatically engage with the abutment when axial load is applied to the cap. This preliminary arrangement ensures that before any accidental opening can occur, the geometric constraint is already in place to prevent it. The inclined surface and abutment are positioned such that normal handling and transportation forces automatically maintain the closed position without requiring additional active components.
3Strength
If geometric constraints with inclined surfaces are added to limit rotation, then stability and resistance to axial loads are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The geometric constraint system is designed to be self-regulating and self-activating. When the cap is closed and axial load is applied during stacking or transportation, the inclined surface automatically engages with the abutment to prevent opening. No external actuation, sensors, or control mechanisms are required - the structure itself provides the stabilizing action through its geometry, making the system both simple and reliable.
Data Source
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AI summary
A dispensing device (10), comprising a container (11) housing a fluid to be dispensed under pressure, the container comprising a dispensing valve (12) featuring a hollow stem (13) through which the fluid is dispensed, the container (11) being coupled with a dispensing cap (1), the dispensing cap comprising a base element (3) which is rotatably connected to a movable element (4), the movable element (4) being hinged to a push-button (2) having a dispensing channel, the dispensing channel having a first end (2A) fitted onto the stem and a second end (2B) comprising a dispensing nozzle (6), there being, between the base element (3) and the movable element (4), at least a first abutment (40, 40A) and a second abutment (41, 41A) envisaged to limit the rotation of the movable element (4), with respect to the base element (3), to between at least one closing position - in which the push-button (2) comes into contact with a stop (30) which prevents the travel thereof - and a dispensing position - in which the push-button (2) is free to travel - the dispensing cap (1) featuring a first inclined surface (50) produced in a visible fashion on the outer surface of the movable element (4), the first inclined surface (50) coming into contact - when in a closed position at least - with a second inclined surface (51) produced in a visible fashion on the base element (3), so as to prevent the movable element (4) and the base element (3) moving any closer together, even in the event of axial loads applied, either directly or indirectly, to the movable element (4).