Molded Dispensing Closure Hinge Assembly Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dispensing closures face challenges with alignment and secure fit due to molding issues such as shrinkage and distortion, leading to inconsistent performance.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a pivoting closure cap with a hinge assembly and a closure base featuring elongated hinge pin sockets and detent grooves, along with cam surfaces, to ensure precise alignment and a secure fit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional hinge assemblies are used in molded closures, then the closure can be manufactured, but alignment and secure fit are compromised due to molding shrinkage and distortion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment and secure fitVSAvoidperformance consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge assembly is divided into multiple segments: a hinge pin, a hinge knuckle with detent groove, and a support member with detent rib. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and accommodates molding variations by distributing alignment requirements across multiple interfaces rather than requiring perfect fit at a single location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The detent rib acts as an intermediary element between the support member and the hinge knuckle. It engages with the detent groove to provide positive positioning and secure fit, mediating the connection between components and compensating for dimensional variations introduced during molding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If molded components are used for the closure, then manufacturing is simplified, but shrinkage and distortion occur leading to inconsistent performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosure manufacturingVSAvoiddimensional accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge pin is designed with a truncated configuration rather than a complete cylinder, changing the geometric parameters to allow for easier assembly and compensation of molding variations. The detent groove and detent rib dimensions are optimized to provide secure engagement while accommodating normal molding shrinkage ranges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If a secure fit is achieved through tight tolerances, then alignment improves, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidclosure structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge assembly allows for dynamic adjustment during assembly. The truncated hinge pin can be inserted at slight angles and self-aligns as it engages with the hinge knuckle, and the detent rib automatically positions itself within the detent groove, providing alignment without requiring precision pre-positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12202661B2Molded dispensing closure with biasing hinge assembly

Publication Date: 2025.01.21 SILGAN WHITE CAP LLC

AI summary

A closure includes a pivoting closure cap and a closure base configured to more easily align and securely pivot open without uncoupling. In various embodiments, the pivoting closure cap includes a pair of hinge assemblies including hinge pins pivotable between a closed position and an open position where the pivoting closure cap is opened for pouring. The closure base includes a pair of hinge pin receivers with a hinge pin sockets. The hinge pins located and rotatable within the sockets.