Integrated Cap and Seal Assembly for Paste Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional container closures for pastes and liquids require additional manufacturing steps to separately install seals, which complicates the process and increases inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A container, cap, and seal assembly where the cap and seal are integrated as a single unit, allowing for a single operation to mount them on the container base, utilizing a quarter-turn threaded closure and interference fits to ensure sealing without requiring extra production steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate seal installation is used, then sealing effectiveness is maintained, but manufacturing process complexity increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cap and seal are merged into a single integrated assembly where the seal is permanently attached to the cap structure. This allows both components to be installed simultaneously in one manufacturing operation, eliminating the need for separate seal installation steps while maintaining sealing effectiveness through the integrated design
2Reliability
If separate seal installation is used, then sealing effectiveness is maintained, but manufacturing process steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cap and seal are combined into a single assembly unit with the seal permanently attached to the cap. This integration reduces the manufacturing process from multiple discrete steps (separate cap installation, separate seal installation) to a single operation where the integrated assembly is installed together, simplifying the overall process
3Productivity
If integrated cap and seal assembly is used, then manufacturing productivity improves, but seal reliability during handling may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated assembly is designed with a separable connection between the cap and seal components. The seal can be easily detached from the cap when needed, allowing the seal to remain reliable during manufacturing and storage while enabling convenient separation during user handling and application
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
This integration simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating the need for separate seal installation, while maintaining effective air prevention during both production and user handling, with the seal disengaging from the cap when opened and reattaching when the cap is secured.
Implementation Method 1
The cap includes threads that engage the respective threads of the base when the cap is closed on the base
Implementation Method 2
At least a portion of an outer surface of the seal member contacts an inner surface of the base and at least a portion of an outer surface of the seal member contacts an inner surface of the cap to prevent air from entering the container
Data Source
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AI summary
A container, cap and seal assembly (10) comprises a container base (20), a cap (30) and a seal (40) engagable with the container base. The seal is held on the cap when the cap is initially installed on the base. When the cap is subsequently opened, the seal disengages from the cap and remains on the base. The seal may then be manually removed and re- installed on the base as desired. The container, cap and seal assembly may be used to contain pastes, liquids and other flowable materials.