Molded Fiber Screw Thread Insert for Reusable Closures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Molded fiber containers face challenges in forming screw threads directly due to material susceptibility to moisture and manufacturing complexity, especially when integrating reusable closures, which complicates recycling and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A closure engaging molded fiber part with integrated threaded portions and flexible portions is used, formed through a pulp molding process, followed by hot pressing to define precise screw threads, allowing attachment to containers without direct molding on the container body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If screw threads are formed directly on molded fiber containers, then reusable closures can be integrated, but manufacturing complexity increases and material susceptibility to moisture causes damage
Solution Approach 1:
The screw thread system is segmented into a separate closure engaging part that can be independently manufactured and then attached to the molded fiber container. This separates the threading function from the container body, reducing manufacturing complexity while enabling reusable closures.
Solution Approach 2:
A closure engaging part acts as an intermediary component between the molded fiber container and the reusable closure. This mediator provides the screw thread interface without requiring direct threading of the moisture-sensitive fiber material, solving both the versatility and complexity contradictions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If screw threads are formed directly on molded fiber containers, then reusable closures can be integrated, but material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the closure system into a separate engaging part, the expensive molded fiber material is not wasted on creating threads. Instead, threads are formed on a more cost-effective component that can be produced using conventional molding techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameter from moisture-sensitive molded fiber to more cost-effective and moisture-resistant materials for the closure engaging part, reducing overall material costs while enabling reusable closures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If screw threads are formed directly on molded fiber containers, then reusable closures can be integrated, but recyclability is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation of the closure system allows the molded fiber container to be separated from the closure engaging part, enabling the container to be recycled through standard fiber recycling processes while the closure engaging part can be made from recyclable plastics or metals.
Solution Approach 2:
The screw thread interface is extracted from the molded fiber container and placed in a separate closure engaging part. This extraction simplifies the container's structure for recycling while maintaining the reusable closure functionality through the attached engaging part.
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
This approach simplifies manufacturing, reduces material costs, enhances recyclability, and provides a reliable, moisture-resistant screw thread system for molded fiber containers.
Implementation Method 1
formed through a pulp molding process, followed by hot pressing to define precise screw threads
Implementation Method 2
followed by hot pressing to define precise screw threads
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, a closure engaging part comprises a plurality of threaded portions, wherein a portion of a screw thread is provided on each threaded portion. In some examples the closure engaging molded fiber part further comprises a flexible portion between and connecting a pair of threaded portions, wherein the flexible portions are more flexible than the threaded portions.