Integrated Lid-Spout Sealing for Precise Closing Element Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lid-spout assemblies for packages are prone to deformation and suffer from imprecise positioning of the closing element, leading to potential fluid leaks during use.
Innovation Solution
A lid-spout assembly with a spout design that includes a closing element operatively coupled to a lid, where the closing element is fixed to the inner surface of the package and can be controlled between active and inactive positions to seal or unseal the flow channel, ensuring precise alignment and stability through a polymer-based construction and coupling members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a coupling member is used to connect the closing element to the lid, then the closing element can be positioned within the spout, but the closing element and spout are prone to deformation and positioning precision is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the coupling member from the system entirely. Instead of using a separate coupling member to connect the closing element to the lid, the closing element is directly integrated with the lid structure. This extraction of the problematic coupling member eliminates the source of deformation and positioning errors while maintaining the functional connection between the closing element and lid.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the closing element and lid into a single integrated structure. By combining these two components that were previously connected via a coupling member, the design eliminates the interface where deformation occurred. The closing element is now formed as an integral part of the lid, ensuring precise positioning without the need for separate coupling components.
2Productivity
If the spout is subjected to forces during package formation, then the package can be sealed and filled, but the spout undergoes deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary reinforcement to the spout structure during its formation process. Strengthening ribs are integrated into the spout wall before the package formation forces are applied, providing preemptive structural support. This preliminary reinforcement allows the spout to withstand the forces of sealing and filling operations without deforming, while still enabling efficient package formation.
3Reliability
If the closing element is positioned to seal the inlet opening, then fluid leakage is prevented, but material usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local reinforcement only where needed for sealing functionality. Instead of uniformly thickening the closing element throughout, strengthening ribs are strategically positioned at specific locations where structural support and sealing contact are required. This localized approach maintains effective sealing while minimizing overall material consumption compared to a uniformly thick design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structural design within the closing element by integrating strengthening ribs into the polymer matrix. This composite structure combines the base polymer material with reinforced regions, achieving enhanced mechanical properties and sealing capability without proportionally increasing material usage. The ribbed structure provides structural efficiency by distributing stresses through the polymer architecture.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is described a spout (4, 4', 4'') for a package (1) having a designated pour opening and being filled with a pourable product. The spout (4, 4', 4") comprises at least a collar (13) extending along a longitudinal axis (E), carrying a pouring outlet (12) at a first axial end (17) and an inlet opening (18) for the pourable product at a second axial end (18) and delimiting a flow channel (20) for the pourable product extending between the pouring outlet (12) and the inlet opening (18) a closing element (14) configured to interrupt a fluidic connection between the pouring outlet (12) and the inlet opening (18). The closing element (14) is interposed between the inlet opening (18) and the pouring outlet (12) and is rupturably fixed to an inner surface (21) of the collar (13).