Locking Flip-Top Closure for Pressurized Beverage Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container closures, particularly flip-top closures, are unsuitable for pressurized containers holding carbonated beverages as they risk opening unintentionally due to internal pressure, and lack a secure one-handed operation mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A container closure with a rotatably fixed closure cap and locking element that allows one-handed operation, featuring a locking element that presses the cap against the discharge opening, preventing unintentional opening and enabling use with carbonated beverages, with a rotatable connection allowing multiple positions and a locking mechanism to secure the cap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flip-top closure is used for easy one-handed operation, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to unintentional opening from internal pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is positioned to preemptively counteract the force exerted by internal pressure on the closure cap. Before pressure can cause unintentional opening, the locking element engages with the base body to create a mechanical barrier that prevents cap displacement, thus applying counter-action in advance to offset the harmful pressure effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed to be rotatable between a locked position (where it engages with the base body to prevent opening) and an unlocked position (where it allows normal cap movement). This dynamic transition enables the closure to switch between secure containment and easy opening states, maintaining both reliability and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent unintentional opening, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is integrated into the closure cap assembly rather than being a separate complex mechanism. It combines the sealing function and locking function into a unified structure where the locking element is positioned to engage with the base body while maintaining the cap's sealing contact, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element utilizes a flexible, thin-walled sleeve structure that can elastically deform during engagement and disengagement. This flexible design allows the locking mechanism to function with minimal material and structural complexity, as the thin-walled sleeve can bend and flex to accommodate the locking and unlocking motions without requiring complex joints or fasteners.
3Ease of operation
If the closure cap is rotationally fixed to the base body, then ease of operation is improved through tilting motion, but reliability worsens due to potential leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The closure cap is designed with rotational freedom relative to the base body, allowing it to tilt or fold open during operation. This dynamic capability enables easy one-handed opening while the locking element provides a static locking interface with the base body to maintain sealing reliability when closed, thus resolving the contradiction between operational flexibility and sealing integrity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a container closure (100) for fastening on a mouth of a container, in particular for closing an opening of a container, the container closure having a main body (10) for fastening on the container. The main body has a discharge opening (11). The container closure has a closure cap (20) for closing the discharge opening, the closure cap being connected to the main body for conjoint rotation. The container closure is equipped with a locking element (30) for pressing the closure cap against the discharge opening. The locking element is rotatably arranged on the container closure. The locking element is preferably rotatably arranged on the main body.