Foldable Barb Tether for Secure Container Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing internal tethers for container closures face challenges in initial installation due to rigid barbs that are difficult to push through container openings and tend to become tangled, limiting resistance to being pulled back out.
Innovation Solution
A tether with foldable, rigid barbs connected via movable joints that can be folded to a smaller dimension for easy insertion and expanded for secure retention, eliminating the need for flaccid rope or chain components, which facilitates easier installation and resistance to pull-out.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid barbs are used to retain the closure member, then resistance to pull-out is improved, but ease of insertion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The barbs are designed with a hinge portion that allows them to dynamically change their configuration. During insertion, the barbs flex inward to a compact dimension that facilitates passage through the container opening. Once inserted, the barbs return to their original splayed configuration, providing maximum retention strength. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between insertion ease and pull-out resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The effective dimension of the barbs is changed based on the operational phase. In the inserted state, the barbs maintain a maximum splayed dimension for optimal retention. During insertion, the barbs are temporarily changed to a compressed dimension smaller than the opening size. This parameter change allows the same rigid barb structure to satisfy both insertion and retention requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rope or chain members are used to couple barbs to the cap, then flexibility is improved, but device complexity and tangling increase
Solution Approach 1:
The problematic rope or chain member is completely removed from the system. Instead, the barbs are directly coupled to the cap body through a rigid connector portion, eliminating the intermediate flexible element that caused tangling and packaging issues while maintaining the necessary flexibility through the hinge mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector portion integrates the functions of both the rigid barb structure and the flexible coupling into a single unified component. This merging eliminates the need for separate rope or chain elements, reducing device complexity and preventing tangling while maintaining adaptability.
3Strength
If barbs are kept in a splayed configuration for retention, then resistance to pull-out is improved, but ease of insertion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The barbs dynamically transition between two configurations: a splayed configuration for retention and a compressed configuration for insertion. The hinge portion enables this dynamic transformation, allowing the barbs to automatically adapt their shape based on the operational phase without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The barbs are pre-configured in a splayed position that provides maximum retention strength. Before insertion, they are temporarily transformed into a compressed position that facilitates passage through the opening. This preliminary action of changing configuration ensures that the barbs are optimally positioned for each operational phase.
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 design allows for effortless installation and secure retention of the closure member within the container opening, providing resistance to pull-out forces while preventing tangling and simplifying manufacturing and packaging.
Implementation Method 1
A movable joint couples each of the plurality of barbs to the second end. Each of the plurality of barbs is foldable about the respective movable joint so that the plurality of barbs define a dimension substantially smaller than the maximum splayed dimension
Data Source
AI summary
A closure assembly for closing an opening in a container includes a closure member including an engagement structure configured to engage the opening. A tether includes a connector portion, a first end, and a second end. The first end is coupled to the closure member and the second end is opposite the first end. A plurality of barbs are positioned at the second end of the tether, each of the plurality of barbs has a rigid construction. The plurality of barbs define a maximum splayed dimension to retain the closure member with respect to the opening. A movable joint couples each of the plurality of barbs to the second end. Each of the plurality of barbs is foldable about the respective movable joint so that the plurality of barbs define a dimension substantially smaller than the maximum splayed dimension to allow insertion through the opening.