Elastomeric Container Opening System with Frusto-Conical Aperture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bottle cap opening systems fail to efficiently, safely, and economically grasp and twist interiorly threaded caps from bottles with externally threaded openings.
Innovation Solution
A container opening system with a main body portion integrally molded of elastomeric material, featuring a frusto-conical central aperture and a laterally extending minor section, designed to facilitate safe and efficient cap removal from bottles of various sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional bottle cap opening systems are used, then cap removal can be performed, but the process is unsafe, inefficient, and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an elastomeric material with frusto-conical surfaces that flexibly conform to the bottle cap geometry. The elastomeric body deforms elastically under compression to grip the cap securely, then releases stored elastic energy during the twisting motion to efficiently remove the cap while maintaining safety and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in the physical state of the elastomeric material through compression and release. When compressed between the user's thumb and finger, the elastomeric body deforms and stores elastic energy; upon release, this energy transforms into gripping force and rotational torque, enabling efficient and safe cap removal
2Productivity
If conventional bottle cap opening systems are used, then cap removal is possible, but the process is inefficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rapid compress-release-twist cyclic action. The user quickly compresses the elastomeric body against the cap, releases it to generate gripping force, and immediately twists to remove the cap. This periodic compress-release-twist sequence enables efficient cap removal in minimal time
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric body is pre-formed with frusto-conical gripping surfaces optimized for cap engagement. The initial compression action pre-loads the elastomeric material, storing elastic energy that is immediately converted into gripping force and rotational torque, eliminating the need for gradual force application and reducing overall removal time
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional bottle cap opening systems are used, then cap removal can be performed, but the system is complex and costly to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single elastomeric body: the frusto-conical gripping surfaces, the elastic energy storage mechanism, and the rotational torque generation are all embodied in one monolithic elastomeric component. This merging of functions eliminates the need for multiple separate parts, simplifying manufacturing and reducing cost
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric body is self-activating through the user's natural compress-release-twist motion. The material's inherent elastic properties automatically generate gripping force and rotational torque without requiring springs, motors, or other active components, thereby simplifying the device structure and reducing manufacturing complexity and cost
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
Enables safe, efficient, and economical grasping and twisting of interiorly threaded caps from bottles with externally threaded openings, offering durable and cost-effective solutions for different bottle types.
Implementation Method 1
a main body portion having a major section and a minor section integrally molded of an elastomeric material
Implementation Method 2
The central aperture has an interior surface in a frusto-conical configuration adapted to contact a threaded bottle cap
Data Source
AI summary
A main body portion has a major section and a minor section integrally molded of an elastomeric material. The major section has a central aperture with an interior surface in a frusto-conical configuration. The minor section extends laterally from the major section.