Dispensing Closure With Frangible Membrane for Recyclable Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing closures with separable membranes create waste and are not recyclable, require high manufacturing costs, and are inefficient in terms of force required for membrane separation.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing closure with a non-separable, frangible membrane made from the same thermoplastic material as the remainder of the closure, designed for easy actuation and low manufacturing costs, allowing for high-speed production and improved recyclability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pump is used to pressurize product within a container, then the product can be dispensed through a valve mechanism, but the device complexity increases due to additional pressurization components
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system uses the product's own carbonation pressure to dispense the beverage, eliminating the need for external pumps or pressurization mechanisms. The carbonated product automatically pressurizes itself when the dispensing mechanism is activated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the pump and external pressurization components from the system, retaining only the essential dispensing valve mechanism. This extraction of unnecessary components simplifies the overall device while maintaining dispensing functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a closure system is designed to fit various bottle shapes and sizes, then the adaptability increases, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase to ensure proper sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The closure incorporates flexible sealing elements that can dynamically adapt to different bottle contours and sizes. The sealing surface is designed to conform to various bottle shapes through elastic deformation, maintaining effective sealing without requiring precise manufacturing for each bottle variant.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure system allows for adjustment of key parameters such as sealing pressure and contact surface geometry to accommodate different bottle specifications. This enables the same closure design to work across multiple bottle types by modifying operational parameters rather than manufacturing precision.
3Ease of operation
If the closure includes a valve mechanism for controlled dispensing, then the dispensing control improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional valve components
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism is integrated directly into the closure structure, merging the dispensing control function with the bottle seal. This combination eliminates the need for separate valve assemblies and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining controlled dispensing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure serves multiple functions simultaneously: sealing the bottle, providing dispensing control through the integrated valve, and maintaining product pressure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
Data Source
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AI summary
A dispensing closure (40, 40A, 40B) includes a first body (54, 54A, 54B) for being located at an opening of a container (44, 44A, 44B) and having a first peripheral wall (56, 56A, 56B) and a membrane (60, 60A, 60B) that is integrally molded with the first peripheral wall (56, 56A, 56N) to initially occlude access to the interior of the container (44, 44A, 44B). The closure (40, 40A, 40B) includes a second body (55, 55A, 55B) for surrounding at least a portion of the first body (54, 55A, 55B) and defining a dispensing orifice (88, 88A, 88B). Either the first body (54, 54A, 54B) and/or the second body (55, 55A, 55B) includes means for accommodating engagement by a user to breach only a portion of the membrane (60, 60A, 60B) in a direction toward the interior of the container (44, 44A, 44B) to permit access to the interior of the container (44, 44A, 44B).