Fiber Hinged Closure for Compostable Reclosable Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional containers with fiber compositions are not compostable and difficult to recycle due to the use of plastic threads and lids, which limits their reclosability and sustainability.
Innovation Solution
A container body and hinged closure made entirely from fibers, such as cellulose, hemp, or banana leaves, that eliminate the need for plastic threads, allowing for compostability and biodegradability while maintaining reclosability through a ring and bracket system that distributes forces evenly and securely closes the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If plastic threads and plastic lids are used to ensure reclosability of fiber containers, then reclosability is improved, but compostability and biodegradability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by making both the container body and closure components entirely from fiber materials, eliminating material heterogeneity. The closure body, ring, and thread are all formed from the same fiber pulp material, ensuring the entire assembly is compostable and biodegradable while maintaining reclosability functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite fiber materials comprising cellulose fibers and thermoplastic binder fibers. This composite structure provides the mechanical strength and flexibility needed for reclosability while maintaining biodegradability, as both components are naturally degradable materials working together to achieve the desired functional properties.
2Ease of operation
If plastic components are used for closure mechanisms, then ease of operation is improved, but recyclability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by making both the container body and closure components entirely from fiber materials, eliminating material heterogeneity. The closure body, ring, and thread are all formed from the same fiber pulp material, ensuring the entire assembly is compostable and biodegradable while maintaining reclosability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters from synthetic plastic to natural fiber materials. The fiber pulp is molded into closure components with appropriate mechanical properties through controlled molding processes, achieving the necessary strength and flexibility for easy operation while maintaining natural material characteristics for recyclability.
3Reliability
If a thread is provided on the container body for screwing on and unscrewing a lid, then reclosability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the container body and closure into a simpler integrated structure. Instead of adding a separate thread component to the container body, the closure body itself is designed with an integrated closure mechanism that directly engages with the container opening, eliminating the need for additional threading elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies homogeneity by making both the container body and closure components entirely from fiber materials, eliminating material heterogeneity. The closure body, ring, and thread are all formed from the same fiber pulp material, ensuring the entire assembly is compostable and biodegradable while maintaining reclosability.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a container comprising fibers, comprising a container body comprising fibers and a hinged closure comprising fibers arranged on the container body. The container body comprises a neck region and a mouth opening. The hinged closure comprises a ring circumferentially surrounding the neck region and a closure body that, in a closed position of the hinged closure, closes the mouth opening. The ring and closure body are connected by two brackets. The disclosure further relates to the hinged closure comprising fibers.