Dispensing Container Fastening Device with Frictional Retaining Ring

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fixing devices for dispensing devices on tubular containers face challenges in guiding and holding the retaining ring securely, leading to potential jamming and improper orientation during assembly.

Innovation Solution

The proposed fixing device includes a crown with an axially aligned outer surface for frictional fit of the retaining ring, an annular skirt with a deformed end portion, and a centering zone to ensure proper positioning and orientation, enhancing the contact surfaces for improved guidance and retention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the retaining ring moves on the sleeve without proper guidance, then the assembly process becomes simple, but the ring may jam or become improperly oriented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly processVSAvoidring guidance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a crown as an intermediary element between the retaining ring and the sleeve. The crown features a frustoconical guiding surface that mediates the movement of the retaining ring during assembly, ensuring proper guidance and orientation while maintaining assembly simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a new dimensional element by introducing the crown with its frustoconical guiding surface, which provides guidance in a radial dimension while the retaining ring moves axially. This dimensional addition resolves the guidance issue without complicating the assembly process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If the contact surface between the retaining ring and fixing sleeve is increased, then the holding strength improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding strengthVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the fixing device into distinct functional elements: the sleeve, the crown, and the retaining ring. The crown is further segmented into a frustoconical guiding surface and a cylindrical holding surface, each optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The crown serves multiple functions: it provides guiding surface for proper orientation, holding surface for frictional engagement, and structural support. This multi-functionality increases holding strength without significantly increasing device complexity, as one element performs multiple roles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If the end portion of the skirt is deformed under the flange, then the fixing is secured, but the guiding of the ring during movement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing securityVSAvoidring guiding
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by providing the crown with its guiding surface before the retaining ring is assembled. This pre-configured guiding surface ensures proper orientation and smooth movement of the retaining ring during assembly, preventing jamming before it can occur

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The crown's frustoconical guiding surface introduces radial guidance dimension while the skirt's end portion provides axial fixing. This dimensional separation allows the fixing mechanism to operate independently from the guiding mechanism, resolving the contradiction between securing fixing and maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This configuration ensures secure guidance and holding of the retaining ring, preventing jamming and improper orientation, facilitating easy assembly and maintaining the dispensing device securely on the container neck.

Implementation Method 1

a retaining ring adapted to fully accommodate the fixing sleeve and having an inner surface adapted to fit with friction on the outer surface of the intermediate portion of the skirt

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP1886940B1Fastening device, distribution assembly comprising such fastening device, dispensing container comprising such distribution assembly and method of assembly of such dispensing container
Publication Date: 2011.03.02 REXAM DISPENSING SYST S
  • EP1886940B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The device has a locking sleeve (20) with an annular skirt (26) axially extending from an annular plate (25). The sleeve has an intermediate portion (26a) and an end portion (26b) that moves between a free state and a deformed state. A retaining ring (21) houses the sleeve and comprises an internal surface fixed on an external surface of the portion (26a) with friction. The sleeve has a rim (27) axially extending opposite to the skirt from the plate. The rim has an external surface axially aligned with the external surface of the intermediate portion of the skirt. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a distributor comprising a distributing assembly and a container (2) a method for assembling a distributor.