Hinged Sealing Sleeve Closure for Waste-Free Container Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container closure devices generate plastic waste, have complex manufacturing processes, and pose risks of injury or contamination due to separable components and repeated use.
Innovation Solution
A sealing device composed of a tubular sleeve with a hinged cap and a breakable sealing veil, irreversibly retained in an open position by retention tabs or a protruding block, molded in a single piece to prevent waste and simplify manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealing veil and gripping means are used to seal and open the container, then the container can be hermetically sealed and opened by manual pulling, but the sealing veil and gripping means constitute disposable waste that is difficult to recycle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sealing veil, gripping means, and closure body into a single integrated component made of the same plastic material. This allows the entire closure device to be recycled together as one material type, eliminating the waste management issues of mixed-material components while maintaining hermetic sealing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the same plastic material for the sealing veil, gripping means, and closure body, creating homogeneous components. This homogeneity enables straightforward recycling processing since all parts can be processed together without separation, resolving the contradiction between achieving reliable sealing and minimizing recycling-difficult waste.
2Reliability
If the connection between sealing veil and gripping means is made strong to prevent separation, then the sealing veil remains attached during opening, but the pulling force required to tear off the veil increases and may cause injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the breaking point specifically to the perimeter seal area while keeping the gripping means connection strong. This allows the sealing function to be maintained during opening (reliability) while the controlled breakage at the perimeter prevents sudden recoil movements that could cause injury, by directing the force to a specific breakable zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different mechanical properties to different parts of the sealing veil: the perimeter area is designed to be breakable while the central gripping connection remains strong. This local differentiation allows the veil to stay attached during opening (preventing separation) while enabling controlled breakage at the perimeter (reducing injury risk).
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a removable cap with hinge connection is added to protect the dispensing opening, then external contaminants are prevented from entering, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cap, hinge connection, and sealing veil into a single integrated component molded from one piece of plastic. This integration protects the dispensing opening from contaminants while avoiding the complexity of assembling multiple separate parts, as the hinge and cap are formed as one homogeneous structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a single plastic material for the entire closure device including the cap and hinge, creating a composite structure that functions as a unified component. This approach provides contaminant protection through the cap design while simplifying manufacturing and reducing assembly complexity compared to multi-material constructions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the closure device is made in multiple parts for functional specialization, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components (sealing veil, gripping means, cap, hinge) into a single molded part. This allows functional optimization to be achieved through intelligent design within a unified structure, while dramatically simplifying manufacturing by eliminating multi-step assembly processes and reducing production time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a single closure component that performs multiple functions: sealing the container, providing a gripping means for opening, protecting the dispensing opening, and enabling controlled breakage. This multi-functional design achieves functional optimization without requiring multiple separate parts, thereby simplifying manufacturing.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C
AI summary
The invention relates to a sealing device (1) comprising a base (3) in the form of at least one tubular sleeve (4) having a peripheral wall (40), surmounted by an upper wall (6). A portion of the surface of the upper wall of the sleeve is formed by a sealing cloth (9), surmounted by a pusher (10), and part of the perimeter lines (91) of which are breakable. A hinge line (92) connects said cloth to said upper wall and around which rotation of said sealing cloth is permitted, from a closed position (93), said cloth coplanar with said upper wall, to an open position (94), the cloth facing the interior of the container. The device includes, beneath said upper wall, means for retaining and locking said sealing cloth in its open position.