Lightened Container Neck Structure for First-Opening Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing necks for liquid containers lack clear indication of first opening and are not lightweight, contributing to unnecessary plastic usage and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A lightened neck made of PET or HDPE with reduced distance between lower collar and support ring, featuring a tubular body with a lower support collar, support ring, cylindrical part, and upper washer, allowing a 0.36 mm clearance for cap opening indication and reduced plastic usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the distance between lower collar and support ring is reduced, then clear indication of cap opening is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual indication through color or transparency changes in the lower collar to clearly show when the cap has been opened. The lower collar is designed with specific optical properties that change or become visible when the cap is removed, providing clear information about the opening state without requiring complex mechanical indicators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the distance parameter between the lower collar and support ring to create a specific clearance (at least 0.36 mm) when the cap is opened. This parameter change provides a visible gap that clearly indicates the opening state, transforming a dimensional parameter into an information-carrying feature.
2Loss of substance
If lightweight plastic material is used for the neck, then plastic usage and manufacturing costs are reduced, but stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The neck is divided into distinct functional segments: the lower collar for engagement with the container, the support ring for structural reinforcement, the cylindrical part for the pouring hole, and the upper washer for cap reception. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while using minimal material, with the support ring providing localized stability where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different structural qualities to different parts of the neck. The support ring is designed with specific thickness and reinforcement to provide local stability, while other portions use thinner walls to reduce overall plastic usage. This local quality approach ensures stability is provided exactly where required without unnecessary material elsewhere.
3Strength
If the lower ring is retained and fitted into the distribution ring, then structural integrity is maintained, but clear indication of opening is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the lower ring from its traditional position within the distribution ring and repositions it to the lower collar area. This extraction allows the lower ring to serve dual purposes: maintaining structural integrity through its connection to the support ring while simultaneously providing clear visual indication of opening through its position relative to the lower collar. The lower ring is taken out of the distribution ring engagement to enable this indication function.
Data Source
AI summary
Lightened neck for upper parts of liquid-containing containers consists of a tubular body axially attachable to the upper part (1) of a container, a tubular body that has a lower sector and an upper sector and comprising the following consecutive parts, described from the lower sector towards the upper sector: a lower collar (3) intended to be coupled and in intimate contact with the upper part (1); a support ring (4) with a height (h4) from 2 mm to 3.7 mm; a cylindrical part (5) with a height (h5) from 22.6 mm to 24 mm; and an upper washer (6), intended to receive a closing cap (2) and which in turn comprises, consecutively, a lower ring (7), a straight portion (8) and an upper ring (9).