Reusable Nozzle Closure Cap With Grip Seal for Air-Curable Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure systems for air-curable materials in caulking cartridges and tubes are inefficient, complex, and costly, failing to effectively prevent curing of unused material and facilitate easy reuse.
Innovation Solution
A removable and reusable closure cap with a rough inner surface or internal annular grip rings that forms a force-fit or press-fit airtight seal with the nozzle end, allowing easy application and removal by twisting and pulling, suitable for multiple uses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a disposable container is used for air-curable material, then the material is protected from curing during storage, but the container cannot be reused and must be discarded after single use
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is divided into two separate components: a reusable closure cap and a disposable applicator tip. The closure cap can be removed and reused on different containers, while the applicator tip is discarded after single use. This segmentation allows the closure mechanism to be reused multiple times without compromising material protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator tip is designed to be discarded after single use, while the closure cap is recovered and reused. The closure cap maintains its sealing function across multiple applications, reducing waste and improving economic efficiency. The design accepts that the tip will be discarded but recovers the value of the closure mechanism.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If a complex closure system is used to prevent curing, then material usability is extended, but the system becomes costly and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator tip is designed as a cheap, single-use component that is discarded after one application. This disposable approach eliminates the need for complex reusable sealing mechanisms within the tip itself, reducing overall system complexity while still extending material usability through the separate reusable closure cap.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure function is extracted from the disposable applicator tip and placed into a separate reusable closure cap. This extraction allows the closure system to be simplified in the tip while maintaining extended protection through the reusable cap, separating the temporary sealing need from the long-term storage need.
3Reliability
If a tight seal is formed to prevent air exposure, then curing is prevented, but the cap becomes difficult to remove and reuse
Solution Approach 1:
The closure cap employs a dynamic sealing mechanism that transitions from a tight seal during storage to an easy-release state during removal. The elastic deformable portion allows the cap to form a secure seal when pressed onto the applicator tip, but then allows easy removal through simple pulling or twisting actions, enabling repeated use.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic deformable portion changes its physical state or flexibility parameters based on the operational phase. During application, the material is in a state that provides strong sealing; during removal, the same material transitions to a state that allows easy detachment. This parameter change enables both reliable sealing and ease of operation.
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 cap effectively prevents air-curable materials from curing by forming a secure seal, enabling multiple uses and maintaining material usability for extended periods, such as up to 6 months.
Implementation Method 1
The inner surface can have either a series of internal annular grip rings or a rough inner surface... allowing a force-fit application of the cap to the applicator tip or nozzle end
Implementation Method 2
The cap is removable by application of a pulling force on the wings or handles, thereby breaking the airtight seal
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to a removable and reusable closure cap and method of use to provide a force-fit or press-fit grip seal to a cut nozzle end or applicator tip of a container containing an air-curable flowable material. The cap allows for storage within and intermittent use of the flowable material. The cap has opposing wings or handles on the outer surface. The inner surface can be either a rough inner surface or a series of internal annular grip rings. The opposing wings or handles allow a user to apply pressure to the cap when attaching it to the cut nozzle end of the container to allow for a force-fit or press-fit grip seal within the container. To remove the cap, the application of a pulling force breaking the force-fit or press-fit grip seal, allowing for easy removal of the cap.