Lightweight Articulated Cap with Elastic-Sheet Hinge for Plastic Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lightweight closure caps for liquid containers are complex and do not ensure robustness and functionality while minimizing plastic usage.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight articulated cap design with reduced thicknesses and structural modifications such as grooves and recesses, incorporating a hinge element with elastic sheets and frangible bridges, ensures minimal plastic usage without compromising structural resistance or functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the thickness of cap elements is reduced to minimize plastic usage, then the weight and material consumption decrease, but the structural resistance and functionality are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the thickness of different cap elements strategically. The crown, flange, and cage have different thickness values optimized for their specific functions. The cage features localized thickening at connection zones while maintaining thinner walls in non-critical areas, achieving both material reduction and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap is segmented into multiple functional elements (crown, cage, flange, visor) that can be independently optimized. The cage is further divided into vertical bars with varying thicknesses, allowing material to be concentrated where needed for strength while reducing it where less critical for weight reduction.
2Quantity of substance
If complex structural modifications are added to achieve lightweight design, then plastic usage is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into integrated structures. The cage serves both as a structural support element and as a attachment mechanism for the visor. The flange integrates the sealing surface, the attachment points for the cage, and the outer aesthetic finish into a single continuous element, reducing the need for separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The cage elements serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the crown, create attachment points for the visor through integrated connection zones, and define the overall cap geometry. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
Data Source
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AI summary
Lightweight articulated cap, attachable to the neck finish of a container, comprising: - a lower ring (1); - a folding upper lid (2), which in turn comprised: - a horizontal upper wall (4), with a thickness (A) and a radius (C); and - a peripheral skirt (5), intended to surround the neck finish of the container when the lid (2) is in the closed position; and - a hinge element (3) for articulated linking of the lid (2) with the ring (1), which comprises two elastic sheets (13) parallel and separated from each other by a minimum distance (D), and wherein each of the elastic sheets (13) has a width (B). The peripheral skirt (5) has at least one recess in the form of a perimeter notch (9) and the ring (1) has at least one perimeter groove (12).