Closure device for containers suitable for holding liquids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure devices for liquid containers, such as those described by Berg and And Design Ltd., require complex molding processes, leading to high manufacturing costs and are not suitable for children as they do not prevent undesired leakage.
Innovation Solution
A closure device featuring a collar with an elastically deformable membrane and lock means, comprising first and second flanges, that creates a seal with the container neck, allowing liquid to flow when pressure is applied by a user's mouth while preventing leakage, and is designed with simple shapes to reduce molding costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex molding processes are used to create closure devices with sealing flanges and anchor portions, then sealing reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the sealing flange and the membrane into a single integrated component. The sealing flange is formed as an integral part of the membrane, eliminating the need for separate sealing components and complex multi-step molding processes. This integration maintains sealing reliability while significantly simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a flexible membrane made of elastomeric material that incorporates the sealing flange as an integral feature. The membrane's flexibility allows it to deform under user pressure to open the seal, while the integrated flange provides the necessary sealing surface. This approach replaces complex rigid structures with a simple flexible film solution.
2Reliability
If complex shapes with multiple flanges and anchor portions are molded, then sealing performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple functions into the membrane itself. The membrane integrates the sealing flange, the closure function, and the deformation mechanism into a single component. This eliminates the need for separate anchor portions, sealing flanges, and valve bodies, dramatically reducing device complexity while maintaining sealing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the closure barrier, provides the sealing surface through its integrated flange, and functions as the actuating element that deforms to open the seal. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate components, simplifying the overall device structure.
3Reliability
If a seal is created between the membrane and collar lip, then leakage prevention is improved, but the device requires complex locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The collar's external threads engage with the container's internal threads, causing the collar to be self-centering and self-aligning during assembly. This self-alignment ensures that the sealing lip automatically positions correctly against the membrane's sealing flange, creating an effective seal without requiring complex locking or alignment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing interface is designed so that the collar's threading creates a self-equilibrating assembly process. As the collar is screwed onto the container, the threading geometry naturally guides the collar into proper alignment, ensuring the sealing surfaces are in optimal contact position without requiring additional alignment features or complex locking mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device effectively prevents liquid leakage from the container while allowing easy drinking, reducing manufacturing costs through simpler molding processes and ensuring functionality for children.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically deformable membrane, which is adapted to be connected to the collar. This membrane is adapted to close the container
Implementation Method 2
The seal is designed to be at least partially released by the pressure exerted by the mouth of a user to drink from the container
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A closure device (1) for containers comprises a collar (3) that is adapted to be applied to a neck (2a) of a liquid container (2) and has a lip (5); an elastically deformable membrane (6), that is adapted to be connected to the collar (3) and to close the container (2), the membrane (6) is configured to rest upon the lip (5) and define a seal (7) along the lip (5), the seal (7) is designed to be at least partially released by the pressure exerted by the mouth of a user; a first flange (10) and a second flange (11), the first flange (10) is formed as a single piece with the membrane (6), the second flange (11) is fixed to the collar (3) to be locked between the first flange (10) and the membrane (6).