Internal Threaded Tube for Squeezable Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing squeezable product tubes with external thread closures suffer from water ingress issues, leading to spills during use and an unappealing flared shape after sealing, while lacking direct closure attachment and easy product access.
Innovation Solution
A tube design featuring internal threads for direct closure attachment, a pivoting cap for easy product dispensing, and interlocking features to prevent water ingress, manufactured via injection molding for a straight-sided, visually appealing form.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external threads are used on the tube head for closure attachment, then the closure can be attached to the tube, but water ingress occurs leading to poor sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional external thread configuration by placing threads internally within the tube head. This inversion allows the closure to engage with the tube from the inside, creating a seal that prevents water ingress while maintaining secure attachment. The internal threading eliminates the gap between closure and tube that exists with external threads, thereby improving sealing performance.
2Shape
If a tube head is welded onto the extruded tube, then the tube structure is complete, but the sealed end flares out producing an unappealing shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tube head formation and tube sealing operations into a single injection molding process. The tube head is molded with an integrated flared end that naturally forms during the injection process, eliminating the need for separate welding operations. This combination maintains structural integrity while producing a visually appealing straight-sided appearance without the defects associated with post-molding welding.
3Shape
If the tube is manufactured via extrusion molding, then the tube is cylindrical in shape, but the sealed end flares out creating an unappealing appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the manufacturing process parameters by switching from extrusion molding to injection molding. This parameter change enables precise control over the tube head geometry, allowing the sealed end to maintain a straight-sided appearance. The injection molding process parameters are optimized to prevent flaring at the seal end while ensuring proper closure engagement and sealing.
4Ease of operation
If the closure is attached via external threads, then the closure secures to the tube, but the consumer cannot easily access remaining product
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the closure attachment mechanism by using internal threads instead of external threads. This inversion allows the closure to be positioned inside the tube opening, providing better access for the consumer to the remaining product while maintaining secure attachment through the threaded engagement. The internal threading configuration enables easier product access without compromising closure security.
Data Source
AI summary
A tube for dispensing product includes a closed first end, an open second end opposing the closed first end, and a side wall extending between the closed first end and the open second end. The side wall and the closed first end define an interior portion to hold product. The side wall of the tube includes internal threads extending inwardly from the side wall adjacent to the open second end. The various elements of the tube may include interlocking features to seal the tube from outside fluids.