Hermetic Container Cap with Frangible Web and Fin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hermetically sealed thermoplastic containers require significant force to open due to a unitary cap that occludes the dispensing aperture, making it difficult to access the contents.
Innovation Solution
A thermoplastic container with a removable cap connected by a frangible web to the dispensing nozzle, featuring an elongated tab or trigger that severs the web when manipulated, allowing easy access to the contents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a unitary cap is used to occlude the dispensing aperture, then hermetic sealing is achieved, but considerable force is required to open the container
Solution Approach 1:
The cap structure is segmented into a main cap body and a separate frangible web component. The frangible web acts as a predetermined break point that separates the sealing function (maintained by the cap body) from the opening function (activated by breaking the web). This segmentation allows the container to maintain hermetic sealing while enabling easy opening through tab manipulation that breaks only the web, not the entire cap structure.
2Ease of operation
If a frangible web is introduced to facilitate opening, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frangible web is merged with both the cap and the nozzle structure, forming an integrated assembly where the web serves as a shared component connecting the cap to the dispensing system. This merging approach allows the frangible web to be manipulated for easy opening while maintaining the integrity of both the cap and nozzle structures. The tab feature is also integrated into the cap, eliminating the need for separate opening mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A hermetically sealed thermoplastic container having a dispensing nozzle occluded by a unitary but removable cap is provided with at least one fin alongside the dispensing nozzle. The fin is situated adjacent to the cap so that the rim of the cap can engage the fin to facilitate removal of the cap from the container.