Flow Control Closure With Orifice Uvulas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closures for dispensing products like condiments and pharmaceuticals struggle with precise flow control and location-specific dispensing, and are often cumbersome and not environmentally friendly due to their multicomponent nature.
Innovation Solution
A closure system comprising a body member with a spout and a lid member with a seal, where the spout has a skewed funnel shape with an orifice having multiple distinct diameters and uvulas for enhanced flow control, and the lid member is hinged to the body member for easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a multicomponent closure is used, then flow control capability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components (lid, spout, hinge, seal) into a single integrated closure unit. The lid member includes an integrated spout extending from its base wall, with the orifice positioned to control flow. The hinge member is built into the closure structure, joining the lid to the container. This merging eliminates the need for separate components that could be misplaced or lost, while maintaining flow control precision through the integrated spout and orifice design.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure is segmented into functional zones within a single unit: the lid member with top wall for sealing, the spout extending from the base wall for directed dispensing, the hinge member for movement, and the orifice with specific diameter for flow control. This segmentation allows each function to be optimized independently while remaining part of a unified structure that is easier to operate and environmentally friendly.
2Manufacturing precision
If a spout with orifice is added to the closure, then flow control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spout is merged with the lid member as a single integrated component. The spout extends directly from the base wall of the lid member, and the orifice is formed as part of the spout structure. This integration ensures precise flow control through the orifice while avoiding the complexity of assembling separate spout and lid components. The seal is positioned to engage the spout, creating a unified sealing and dispensing system.
3Manufacturing precision
If the orifice diameter is reduced for better flow control, then flow control precision is improved, but dispensing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The orifice is designed with specific local characteristics: a controlled diameter that is smaller than the spout opening but optimized for precise flow control. The spout itself has a funnel shape that tapers toward the orifice, creating a localized flow convergence zone. This local quality design allows the orifice to provide precise flow control while the funnel shape maintains adequate dispensing speed by directing flow efficiently toward the small opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The spout is designed with a funnel shape that curves and tapers toward the orifice. This curved geometry creates a smooth flow path that reduces turbulence and maintains flow velocity despite the small orifice diameter. The curvature of the spout wall guides the product flow directly to the orifice, preventing stagnation and maintaining dispensing speed while achieving precise flow control through the reduced diameter.
Data Source
AI summary
A flow control closure is provided. The closure having a body member with a base wall, a body skirt, and a spout extending from the base wall away from the body skirt; a lid member with a top wall and a lid skirt, the lid member being movable between an open position and a closed position, the top wall having a seal positioned to engage the spout when the lid member is in the closed position; and a hinge member that joins the lid member with the body member. The spout can include an orifice with an outer profile having a first diameter and an inner profile having a second diameter, the orifice can include one or more uvulas that partially obstructs the first diameter. The flow control closure can be molded as one unitary piece.