Hinged Container Cap Crystallization Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hinged container caps made entirely of amorphous PET material can experience blocking or 'cold welding' due to interdiffusion of polymer chains, leading to difficulty or impossibility in opening after prolonged closure, and the PET material can become brittle and snap off due to repeated bending.
Innovation Solution
Crystallizing the polymer material at the interface of the base and lid portions when in the closed position to prevent blocking, allowing the lid to be opened after an extended period, and positioning the groove on the hinge member away from the lid and base to enhance flex resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the base containment wall, lid wall, and capping pin are all made of amorphous PET material, then the hinged container cap can be manufactured with a single material type, but blocking or cold welding occurs after prolonged closure due to interdiffusion of polymer chains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different crystallinity states to different components: the lid wall and capping pin are made of crystallised PET material to prevent blocking, while the base containment wall remains amorphous to maintain flexibility and prevent snapping. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing blocking resistance where needed while preserving operational reliability in other areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinged container cap uses a composite structure combining crystallised PET (for lid wall and capping pin) and amorphous PET (for base containment wall). This composite material approach allows each component to have the optimal material properties for its specific function, preventing both blocking and snapping simultaneously.
2Ease of manufacture
If the hinged container cap is made entirely of amorphous PET material, then manufacturing is simplified, but the material becomes brittle and snaps off due to repeated bending at the hinge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material states to different components based on their functional requirements. The base containment wall is made of amorphous PET to maintain flexibility and prevent snapping during repeated hinge movements, while the lid wall and capping pin use crystallised PET for blocking prevention. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between ease of manufacture and flex resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameter of crystallinity in specific components. By crystallising the lid wall and capping pin while keeping the base containment wall amorphous, the patent optimizes the balance between manufacturing simplicity and mechanical strength, preventing brittleness in the flexing areas while maintaining structural integrity where needed.
3Device complexity
If the groove on the hinge member is positioned closer to the lid and base, then the hinge structure is more compact, but the cap snaps off more easily due to reduced flex resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the groove on the hinge member away from the lid and base portions in advance, creating a design that preemptively prevents snapping. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures adequate flex resistance before any actual use, resolving the contradiction by prioritizing snap resistance over compactness in the hinge geometry.
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
Prevents blocking and delays the brittleness issue, ensuring the hinged container cap can be opened after long periods and reduces the likelihood of snapping, while also facilitating easier recycling by using the same material for both the cap and container.
Implementation Method 1
the crystallisable polymer material of the base portion and/or of the lid wall is crystallized at at least the interface of the base portion and the lid when in the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
Hinged container cap, comprising a base portion, a hinge member and a lid, wherein the base portion is made of a crystallisable polymer and includes a base circumferential wall and a base containment wall having an base outlet aperture and has an external base surfaceexternal base surface 44, wherein the hinge member connects the base portion to the lid and allows a movement of the lid between an opened position, in which the base outlet aperture is open, and a closed position, in which the base outlet aperture is closed, wherein in the closed position, at least part of the external base surfaceexternal base surface 44 of the base portion forms an interface with the lid contact surfacelid contact surface 42 of the lid, wherein the base portion and/or of the lid wall is crystallized at at least the interface of the base portion and the lid in the closed position, to allow the lid to be opened after being closed for an elongated period.