Lid Assembly Rim Profile for Jam-Free Closure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lid assemblies for packages filled with pourable food products face challenges in correct positioning during closure and may jam if not operated correctly.

Innovation Solution

The improved lid assembly features a coupling ring, a lid with a hinge element, and a specific profile on the rim surface that facilitates correct positioning in the closing position and prevents jamming.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a simple lid assembly structure is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but positioning accuracy in closing position deteriorates and jamming risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a specific geometric profile (with first, second, and third portions) at the critical rim surface location where the lid contacts the coupling ring. This localized structural feature provides positioning guidance without requiring complex mechanisms throughout the entire lid assembly, thus maintaining manufacturing simplicity while improving positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The rim surface profile is designed in advance with specific geometric features (first portion, second portion, third portion) that preliminarily guide the lid into the correct closing position before final contact is made. This preliminary geometric arrangement prevents jamming by ensuring proper alignment is established prior to the critical closing moment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If a simple lid assembly structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability in preventing jamming deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidjamming prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements reliability through a localized geometric profile at the rim surface rather than complex mechanisms throughout the entire structure. The specific shape with multiple portions (first, second, third) provides targeted positioning guidance that prevents jamming while keeping the overall device structure simple and easy to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The lid assembly design allows the lid itself, through its specially profiled rim surface, to guide its own positioning and prevent jamming without requiring additional complex positioning mechanisms or external assistance. The geometric features self-align the lid with the coupling ring during closing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250153892A1Lid assembly for a package, lid-spout group for a package and package having a lid-spout group
Publication Date: 2025.05.15 TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE SA
  • US20250153892A1 patent drawing
  • US20250153892A1 patent drawing
  • US20250153892A1 patent drawing

AI summary

There is described a lid assembly comprising a coupling ring, a lid and a hinge element hinging the lid to the coupling ring and being in contact with a contact portion of the lid. The lid comprises a cover wall configured to cover the pouring outlet and a side wall protruding from the cover wall. The side wall comprises an end portion connected to the cover wall and a rim portion opposite to the end portion. The rim portion comprises a rim surface facing the coupling ring. The rim surface comprises a first portion, a second portion connected to the first portion and a third portion connected to the second portion and being closer to the contact portion than the first portion. The second portion is transversal to the first portion and the third portion.