Dispensing Closure Bi-Stable Locking and Skirt Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing closures lack effective mechanisms for preventing accidental opening during transport and do not provide a smooth, ergonomic design for easy cleaning, while also being lightweight and durable.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing closure design featuring a base and lid connected by a hinge, with a bi-stable locking portion and a raised lip for secure closure, a dished top deck for ergonomic design, and a butterfly hinge for easy lifting, which is embedded within a cylindrical skirt for enhanced security and drop resistance, and can be manufactured using 2K moulding for material efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bi-stable locking portion is added to prevent accidental opening, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bi-stable locking portion is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the lid's position. When the lid is closed, the locking portion automatically locks into place without requiring user intervention. When the lid is opened, it automatically unlocks. This self-service mechanism improves reliability while minimizing the need for additional control components, thus limiting complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking portion utilizes bi-stable dynamics with two distinct positions: a locked position where it engages with the base to prevent opening, and an unlocked position where it allows lid movement. This dynamic design allows the same component to provide both security during transport and ease of access during use, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the lid is made flush with the lip for ergonomic design, then ease of operation is improved, but cleaning difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lid and surrounding structures incorporate curved and rounded surfaces rather than sharp edges or flat planes. The ergonomic lip features smooth contours that are comfortable for finger placement and wiping motions. These curved surfaces maintain the flush appearance for ergonomics while preventing crevices where product could accumulate, thus facilitating cleaning.
3Weight of moving object
If the closure is made lightweight with reduced material, then weight is improved, but strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure utilizes composite construction with the base and lid potentially made from different materials optimized for their specific functions. The base may use a harder, more impact-resistant material to provide strength during drops, while the lid can use a lighter material to reduce overall weight. This composite approach allows weight reduction while maintaining necessary strength characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates energy-absorbing features built into the structure before impact occurs. The skirt and base geometry are designed to deflect and absorb impact energy during drops, protecting the lighter components from damage. This beforehand cushioning through structural design allows the use of lighter materials while maintaining drop resistance.
4Reliability
If the lid is embedded in the skirt for security, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is integrated directly into the skirt structure, merging two components into a unified assembly. The lid is positioned within the skirt's contour and secured through the bi-stable locking mechanism, creating a streamlined appearance and improved security. This merging eliminates the need for separate mounting hardware or additional structural elements, thus improving reliability while actually reducing overall complexity.
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 closure effectively prevents accidental opening during transport, offers easy cleaning due to its ergonomic design, is 10% lighter in material compared to similar designs, and provides enhanced drop resistance by absorbing energy within the skirt.
Implementation Method 1
a bi-stable locking portion movable between a locked position in which lid cannot be moved to the open position and an unlocked position in which the lid can be moved to the open position
Implementation Method 2
the base and lid being joined by a hinge to allow the lid to move between closed and open positions
Implementation Method 3
at the periphery of the top deck the sidewall forms or provides a raised lip, in which the lid closes onto the top deck and is bounded by the lip
Data Source
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AI summary
A dispensing closure is provided and comprises a base and a lid. The base includes a sidewall closed at one end by a top deck including a dispensing orifice. The base and lid are joined by a hinge to allow the lid to move between closed and open positions with respect to the base whereby to close and open the dispensing orifice. At the periphery of the top deck the sidewall forms or provides a raised lip. The lid closes onto the top deck and is bounded by the lip and the lid is generally flush with the lip when in the closed position.