Dispensing Closure Non-Linear Flow Path Spurring Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dispensing closures for viscous food condiments face challenges in providing a 'clean pour' without spurring, accommodating inverted storage, and being recyclable, as they often require complex valve structures or multi-chamber designs that are difficult to manufacture and recycle.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece dispensing closure with a non-linear flow path, featuring a flow conduit with an offset entrance and exit orifice, and a baffle at the bottom to prevent direct flow, allowing for controlled dispensing and easy manufacturing using conventional molding techniques with a single type of recyclable plastic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If silicone valve structures are used to prevent spurring and enable inverted storage, then dispensing control is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the valve structure, flow conduit, and closure body into a single integrated one-piece component made of recyclable plastic. This eliminates the need for separate silicone valve parts while maintaining the spurring prevention function through the integrated flow control geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from silicone to recyclable plastic, and modifies the flow path geometry with specific angle ranges (30-60 degrees) to achieve both spurring prevention and manufacturing simplicity in a single material.
2Reliability
If silicone valve structures are used to prevent spurring, then dispensing control is improved, but recyclability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a homogeneous single-material construction (recyclable plastic) throughout the closure assembly, eliminating the need to separate different materials for recycling. The entire closure including flow control features can be recycled together as one material type.
3Reliability
If multi-chamber designs are used to control viscous fluid flow, then flow characteristics are improved, but manufacturing feasibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the flow path into distinct zones within a single chamber: an expansion zone, a flow control zone with angled surfaces, and a dispensing zone. This provides multi-stage flow control without requiring multiple physical chambers or complex molding operations.
4Ease of operation
If product is positioned at the dispensing closure for inverted storage, then dispensing readiness is improved, but premature spurring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary anti-action features in the flow path geometry that counteract the spurring tendency before it occurs. The angled surfaces and expansion zone are designed to redirect and dampen product flow before it reaches the dispensing orifice, preventing premature spurring even when the container is inverted and shaken.
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
The solution provides a 'clean pour' by preventing premature spurring and allowing free flow upon squeezing, while being cost-effective and recyclable, addressing the limitations of complex valve structures and multi-chamber designs.
Implementation Method 1
The flow conduit has an offset, obstructed, non-linear flow path from an interior of the closure to an exterior of the closure
Implementation Method 2
The flow conduit includes a bottom wall that prevents direct flow of product into the flow conduit along the exit axis
Implementation Method 3
a living hinge structure hingeably connecting the closure lid to the closure body
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A dispensing closure (10) has a flow conduit (50) that provides a sufficient flow restriction to prevent unwanted spurting of the product when the container is initially opened. The dispensing closure (10) includes a closure body (20) with an upper deck (30) and a flow conduit (50) extending through the upper deck (30). The flow conduit (50) includes an entry orifice (50A) having an entrance axis and an exit orifice (50B) having an exit axis. The entrance axis is parallel to, but not co-linear with, the exit axis to provide a non¬ linear flow path from an interior of the closure (10) to the exterior of the closure (10).