Inclined Hinge Closure for Reducing Face Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure designs for liquid containers with vertically oriented hinges cause inconvenience as the cap tends to return to the aperture when opened, leading to interference with the user's face during use.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece closure with a hinge member integrally formed with the cap and base, featuring an inclined design that allows the cap to move laterally away from the aperture in the open position, reducing interference and enabling a longer, more flexible hinge for improved clearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a vertically oriented hinge is used in the closure, then the cap can be easily manufactured and assembled, but the cap returns to the aperture position when opened, causing interference with the user's face
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge member is designed with an inclined orientation rather than a vertical alignment, creating an asymmetric configuration that allows the cap to remain clear of the user's face when opened. This asymmetric hinge arrangement changes the cap's movement trajectory from a vertical plane to a tilted plane, resolving the interference issue while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge member extends in an inclined direction rather than purely vertically, introducing a dimensional component that shifts the cap's spatial trajectory. This dimensional change allows the cap to move along a three-dimensional arc that clears the user's face, transforming the two-dimensional vertical rotation into a three-dimensional inclined movement.
2Shape
If a vertically extending hinge member is used, then the cap remains symmetrically arranged in the open position, but the clearance from the aperture is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge member is deliberately designed with an inclined, non-vertical orientation, breaking the symmetric arrangement of the cap relative to the vertical plane. This asymmetric configuration allows the cap to achieve greater clearance from the aperture while maintaining a balanced and aesthetically pleasing appearance in its open position.
3Ease of manufacture
If a one-piece closure with integrated hinge is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but the hinge flexibility may cause the cap to return toward the aperture
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated hinge member is designed with an inclined configuration that counteracts the elastic return tendency. This asymmetric geometry provides sufficient leverage and mechanical advantage to maintain the cap in its open position despite the flexibility inherent in one-piece construction, resolving the stability issue while preserving manufacturing simplicity.
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 inclined hinge design provides better clearance and reduced interference with the user's face, making it easier to drink directly from the container while also simplifying manufacturing and demoulding processes in injection moulding.
Implementation Method 1
the cap does not remain in this clearing position due to the elasticity of the hinge
Data Source
AI summary
A mold can form a one-piece container closure by injection molding. The closure may have a base portion that inwardly defines an opening centered about a base portion longitudinal axis and a hinged cap that is linked to the base portion by an outside hinge member. The hinge member may have two opposite ends that are respectively connected to the base portion and the cap, thus defining an elongated hinge member therebetween. A mold may include two parts which respectively define two internal cavities facing each other along a longitudinal axis of alignment that coincides with the base portion longitudinal axis. The two mold parts my be movable along the longitudinal axis of alignment between a closed position where they define together a mold jointing plane and an open position where they are spaced apart from each other for demolding the closure.