Flip-Top Dispensing Closure With Self-Closing Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing syringe closures lack effective child-resistant mechanisms and fail to prevent spills when the syringe is removed inverted, and they often lose their caps or require complex adjustments for different syringe sizes.
Innovation Solution
A flip-top closure system with a self-closing valve and child-resistant mechanism, featuring a hinge-attached lid and base with a dispensing passage, a retaining device for the valve, and adjustable hole diameters for various syringe sizes, ensuring secure sealing and easy cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple cap closure is used, then ease of operation is improved, but child-resistant protection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The closure is divided into separate functional components: a flip-top cap for opening access, a valve mechanism for controlled dispensing, and a locking mechanism for child-resistant protection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together as an integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure employs dynamic elements including a flip-top cap that rotates open, a flexible valve that opens/closes based on syringe insertion, and a locking mechanism that engages/disengages. These dynamic features enable the closure to adapt between easy access mode and child-resistant locked mode, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and safety.
2Ease of operation
If the syringe is removed inverted, then ease of operation is improved, but product spillage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is pre-configured in a closed position and automatically opens only when the syringe tip is inserted. This preliminary closed state prevents product leakage during syringe removal, while the automatic opening mechanism ensures product flow only when needed, eliminating spillage regardless of removal orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism is self-regulating, automatically opening in response to syringe insertion and closing when the syringe is removed. This self-service functionality eliminates the need for manual valve operation and ensures product containment without user intervention, preventing spills during inverted removal.
3Manufacturing precision
If a fixed hole diameter is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to different syringe sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system incorporates adjustable hole diameter parameters that can be modified to accommodate different syringe sizes. This parameter adjustability maintains manufacturing precision through controlled variations while enabling versatility across multiple syringe specifications, resolving the contradiction between precision and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure is designed with universal adaptability features, including adjustable components and configurable parameters, allowing a single closure design to function with multiple syringe sizes. This multi-functionality maintains precise manufacturing standards while accommodating diverse syringe specifications.
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 system provides a child-resistant, spill-proof, and adjustable closure that automatically cleans the syringe tip, prevents cap loss, and allows inverted use without spills, while accommodating different syringe sizes through adjustable diameters.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible self-closing valve for closing the orifice
Implementation Method 2
when the syringe is withdrawn the valve wipes against the syringe tip
Data Source
AI summary
A flip-top dispensing closure is provided and comprises a base which is attachable to a container and a lid attached to the base by a hinge. The base includes a dispensing passage; a syringe of the type comprising a barrel and a terminal tip is insertable into the passage. The closure further comprises a flexible self-closing valve for closing the passage. In use the syringe is inserted into the passage so that the tip passes through the valve to access product, and thereafter when the syringe is withdrawn the valve wipes against the syringe tip.