Lightweight Plastic Container Neck Structure for Stable Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lightweight liquid containers face challenges in maintaining stability while ensuring minimal weight impact, particularly when designed for semi-liquid fluids like yoghurts or milkshakes, and require improved neck structures for secure closure and pouring mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A neck structure for liquid containers comprising a tubular body made of lightweight plastic, featuring a lower support collar, serrated support flange, cylindrical part, and upper washer, designed for secure attachment and manual gripping, with a sealing plug for the pouring orifice.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a neck structure is added to lightweight plastic containers, then stability and closure security are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The neck is divided into distinct functional segments: a lower support collar for structural reinforcement and attachment to the gland, a support flange for closure attachment, and an upper washer for sealing. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The neck structure is designed to be axially coupled to the existing container gland, with the lower support collar mating directly with the gland interior. The support flange and upper washer are nested within the tubular body structure, creating a compact integrated assembly that adds functionality without excessive complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a support flange with serrated annular body is used, then manual gripping ease is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The serrated annular body is applied locally to the support flange portion of the neck that requires manual gripping, rather than throughout the entire structure. This localized application provides enhanced grip where needed while keeping other areas simple for manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The serrated structure is formed as an integral part of the injection-molded plastic neck, creating a simple geometric feature that requires no additional manufacturing steps. The serrations are formed directly during molding, avoiding complex secondary operations.
3Weight of moving object
If the neck is made from lightweight plastic material, then weight is reduced, but strength and structural integrity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The neck utilizes the inherent properties of lightweight plastic materials (such as polyethylene terephthalate or high density polyethylene) and combines them with a multi-component structural design including the support collar, support flange, and upper washer to achieve both light weight and sufficient structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The neck is segmented into multiple functional parts (lower support collar, support flange, cylindrical part, upper washer) that work together to distribute mechanical loads and enhance overall structural strength while maintaining lightweight construction.
4Reliability
If elements for retaining the neck in the gland are added, then reliability of attachment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention function is merged with the lower support collar structure, which is formed as an integral part of the neck. The collar's geometry and its interaction with the gland provide both structural support and retention functionality in a single integrated component rather than separate retention elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower support collar is designed to mate with the gland through its own geometric features, providing self-retention without requiring additional fastening elements. The structure utilizes the existing gland geometry and the collar's configuration to achieve reliable attachment.
Data Source
AI summary
A container for liquids, specifically a neck designed to be axially coupled to the gland of a container, typically made of lightweight plastic. The neck is structured in a lower section and an upper section, having several components: a lower collar that serves as a support, followed by a support flange and a cylindrical part that incorporates both lower and upper transitions, as well as an intermediate section. The terminal part of the neck is an upper washer designed to receive a sealing plug. This washer includes a lower ring, a straight portion and an upper ring. The complete design ensures an effective threaded engagement with the sealing plug, thus optimizing the functionality of the container.