Knock Cam Cap Mechanism for Synchronous Latch Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional containers with cap employing a knock cam mechanism require a large number of parts and have a complex structure, leading to uneven distribution of vertical linear force, which can result in asynchronous latch operation, incomplete sealing, and potential spilling of contents.
Innovation Solution
A container with a simplified knock cam mechanism using a hollow cylindrical housing with grooves and ribs, a push-button plunger, a ratchet, and an inner lid, where an elastic member is inserted between the ratchet and the inner lid, allowing for secure attachment and detachment with a small number of parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional knock cam mechanism with multiple latches is used, then the cap can be securely attached to the container body, but the structure becomes complicated requiring a large number of parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the knock cam mechanism and locking mechanism into a single integrated cap structure. The cap includes a knock cam portion, latch portions, and locking portions all formed as one piece, eliminating the need for separate components. This integration maintains secure attachment functionality while dramatically simplifying the overall structure and reducing part count.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as both the knock cam mechanism (for attachment/detachment operation) and the locking mechanism (for securing the cap to the container body). The latch portions and locking portions are built into the cap itself, making the cap a multi-functional component that eliminates the need for separate locking devices.
2Volume of moving object
If a shaft-shaped knock cam mechanism is used on a thick-bodied container, then the mechanism can be compact, but the vertical linear force is not evenly transmitted to multiple latches causing asynchronous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The knock cam portion is divided into multiple knock cam surfaces that correspond to individual latch portions. Each knock cam surface transmits force to its corresponding latch independently, ensuring uniform force distribution and synchronous operation of all latches. This segmentation approach maintains compactness while achieving precise synchronized latch engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the knock cam mechanism have specialized functions: the knock cam surfaces are designed with specific geometries to transmit vertical linear force uniformly to each latch portion, while the latch portions are positioned to engage with corresponding locking portions on the container body. This local optimization ensures force evenness and synchronous operation.
3Reliability
If multiple latches are used for secure sealing, then the sealing reliability improves, but the force distribution becomes uneven causing some latches to stop moving in synchrony
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into multiple independent latch portions, each with its own corresponding knock cam surface and locking portion. This segmentation allows each latch to receive and transmit force independently, ensuring uniform force distribution across all latches during the knocking operation, which maintains synchronous operation and reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The knock cam surfaces and latch portions are asymmetrically positioned and shaped to match the specific geometry of the container body's locking portions. This asymmetric design ensures that each latch engages its corresponding locking portion at the correct position and orientation, distributing force evenly and enabling synchronous operation of all latches for reliable sealing.
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 container ensures secure attachment and detachment of the cap, preventing spilling by evenly distributing force to all latches, ensuring synchronous operation and reliable sealing.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member inserted between the ratchet and the inner lid
Data Source
AI summary
A container with cap provided with a knock cam mechanism having an uncomplicated structure employing a small number of parts, enabling the cap to be securely attached to and detached from the container body. The cap has a housing in which a plurality of grooves alternating with ribs are formed in an inner circumferential surface thereof at equiangular intervals around a cylindrical axis, and inside the housing are disposed a push-button plunger having protrusions formed on the outer peripheral surface that slide along inside the grooves, a ratchet having sloped protrusions on the outer circumference, an inner lid having tabs on the peripheral wall, an elastic member for urging the ratchet upward, and a container body in which a locking portion is formed on the outer circumference of a neck of the container body.