Hinged Container Cap With Elastomeric Seal Against Impact Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container caps fail to provide a leak-tight seal that withstands impact forces and accidental knock-overs while also being easy to open and close, particularly for large containers holding liquids, and are often difficult for single-handed operation.
Innovation Solution
A cap design featuring a cap body with a spout and a hinged lid connected via an elastically deformable material, a disposable sealing means, and a locking mechanism with a panel and protrusion system that ensures a secure seal against impact and easy operation, using thermoplastic elastomers or silicone for enhanced durability and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hinged lid with a protrusion sealing means is used, then the cap is easy to open and close, but the seal leaks when subjected to high impact forces
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is divided into two independent components: a protrusion for easy engagement and sealing, and an elastically deformable material part for maintaining seal integrity under impact. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking means combines a rigid panel structure with an elastically deformable material part (thermoplastic elastomer or silicone). This composite construction provides both the structural integrity needed for locking and the elastic properties needed to maintain seal under impact forces up to 70N.
2Reliability
If a rigid locking mechanism is used to prevent accidental opening, then the cap is secure under impact, but it becomes difficult for single-handed operation
Solution Approach 1:
The elastically deformable material part changes its physical state from a flexible condition during operation to a rigid locked condition under impact. This parameter change allows the mechanism to be easily operated when needed while providing secure locking when subjected to external forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastically deformable material automatically adjusts to maintain the seal under impact forces without requiring additional user intervention. The material's elastic properties enable it to self-compensate for movement and maintain sealing pressure, providing self-service protection against leakage.
3Reliability
If a disposable sealing means is added to prevent leakage, then the seal reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable sealing means is integrated into the existing protrusion structure of the locking mechanism. The sealing function is merged with the locking function, allowing the same component structure to serve dual purposes: locking the lid and preventing leakage, thereby minimizing additional complexity.
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 cap effectively prevents leakage under impact forces and accidental knock-overs while allowing quick and effortless opening and closing, even single-handedly, maintaining a secure seal withstanding forces up to 70N and ensuring reliable operation during transportation and everyday use.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically deformable material part, selected from the group consisting of a thermoplastic elastomer, TPE), silicone and mixtures thereof, connecting said panel to said lid
Data Source
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AI summary
A cap resistant to impact forces and providing a leak-tight fitting to a container whilst allowing simple and quick release.