Hinged Closure With Segmented Tongue Hinge for Large Opening Angle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinged bottle closures lack the ability to remain open with a large opening angle, flexibility, and often do not include a locking mechanism or tethering option for containers.
Innovation Solution
The development of a hinged closure system that includes an upper lid portion, a lower skirt portion, and a hinge portion with connecting columns and tongues, allowing the lid to open greater than 180 degrees and be locked in the open position with optional tethering to the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a traditional hinged closure design is used, then the structure is simple, but the opening angle is limited and cannot remain open at large angles
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge portion is segmented into multiple functional elements including connecting columns, tongues, and locking features distributed at strategic locations. This segmentation allows the hinge to achieve complex motion patterns and maintain stability at large opening angles while keeping each individual component relatively simple in design
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure transitions from a static connection to a dynamic system that can maintain multiple positions. The locking mechanism enables the closure to remain stationary at desired opening angles, while the hinge geometry facilitates smooth motion between positions, creating a dynamically stable system
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to hold the closure open, then the closure can remain open, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the hinge structure itself rather than being a separate additive component. The tongues and locking features are integrated into the connecting columns, creating a unified hinge-assembly that performs both connection and locking functions, thereby reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism operates through self-service principles where the hinge structure automatically engages and disengages the locking features during normal opening and closing motion. The geometry of the tongues and columns creates automatic engagement without requiring external actuation or complex control systems
3Adaptability or versatility
If the hinge allows greater than 180 degree opening, then flexibility is improved, but the structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the hinge structure have optimized local qualities - the connecting columns provide rigid structural support to maintain stability, while the tongue regions provide flexibility for motion. This local differentiation allows the structure to achieve both greater than 180 degree opening capability and structural stability simultaneously
Data Source
AI summary
Hinged closures for containers are provided. The hinged closures allow for a closure that can be held in the open position with a large opening angle. The hinged closures include a lid portion and a skirt portion interconnected by a hinge portion. The hinge portion can be formed from two connecting columns and a central tongue, or two tongues and a central connecting column.