One-Piece Hinged Polymeric Closure with Interlocking Splines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing polymeric closures, especially tamper-evident ones, face issues with environmental waste due to separable components and inefficiencies in torque transfer, particularly in lighter weight designs.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece polymeric closure with a hinged design featuring interlocking splines, knurls, and a locking ratchet band, allowing efficient torque transfer and tamper-evident functionality while remaining intact with the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tamper-evident closures are separated into two individual components, then tamper-evident functionality is achieved, but the top portion cannot be recycled with the remainder of the closure and container
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tamper-evident top portion and the closure body into a single integrated one-piece structure. The top portion includes a tamper-evident flange that remains attached to the closure body through a hinge connection, allowing both components to be recycled together while maintaining tamper-evident functionality. This eliminates the need for separate components that would otherwise be discarded separately.
2Weight of moving object
If lighter weight polymeric closures are used, then material usage is reduced, but the ability to transfer and distribute torque efficiently is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating torque transfer features at specific locations rather than uniformly throughout the closure. Splines are positioned at the interface between the top portion and closure body to efficiently transfer torque during application. Knurls are located on the outer surface to provide grip and distribute top load. This localized reinforcement allows lighter weight material usage while maintaining torque transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite polymeric structures with varying material properties in different regions. The closure uses a combination of polymeric materials with different mechanical properties to optimize both weight and torque transfer. The splines and knurls are formed from the same polymeric material but with different structural characteristics that provide both lightness and mechanical strength for torque distribution.
3Loss of substance
If a one-piece hinged closure design is implemented, then recyclability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the closure into functional zones within a one-piece structure. The top portion, closure body, hinge connection, and tamper-evident flange are distinct functional segments that are integrally formed. This segmentation allows for optimized design of each function while maintaining overall simplicity and recyclability as a single component.
Data Source
AI summary
A one-piece polymeric closure includes first and second closure portions. The first closure portion includes a first polymeric top wall portion and a first polymeric annular skirt portion. The first annular skirt includes a first set of splines on an inner surface thereof and knurls formed on an exterior surface thereof. The second closure portion includes a second polymeric top wall portion with a pull ring and a second polymeric annular skirt portion The second annular skirt portion includes a second set of splines on an outer surface thereof, an internal thread formation, and a locking ratchet band. The first and second sets of splines are configured to interact with each other when the polymeric closure is in a closed position. The polymeric closure opens by flipping the first closure portion with respect to the second closure portion via a hinge.