Offset Tab Locking Cap for Vessels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking caps for containers require complex molds and a large quantity of material for manufacturing, making them costly and difficult to mount quickly and easily.
Innovation Solution
A molded plastic locking cap design featuring a muzzle with offset flexible tabs and a surrounding ring that fits inside the muzzle, allowing for easy assembly and locking without external access to the tabs, using molds with two shells and a single core for economical production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking cap uses a complex structure with a peripheral housing and locking member as disclosed in FR-2893922, then the locking mechanism provides reliable two-step locking, but the manufacturing complexity and material quantity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The locking cap is divided into distinct functional segments: the muzzle with integrated locking tabs and the separate ring component. This segmentation allows each part to be manufactured independently using simple molds, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining the two-step locking functionality through coordinated assembly of the segments
Solution Approach 2:
The ring component is designed to fit over and surround the muzzle, creating a nested structure where the ring receives and constrains the muzzle. This nesting arrangement eliminates the need for complex internal housings and locking members, achieving reliable locking through the simpler external ring constraint
2Reliability
If a locking cap uses a complex structure with peripheral housing and locking member, then the locking mechanism is secure, but the manufacturing cost and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the locking cap into the muzzle and ring components, each made from appropriate plastics with optimal material properties, the design uses material more efficiently. The locking tabs are integrated into the muzzle structure rather than requiring separate locking members, reducing total material consumption while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the locking cap use materials with locally optimized properties: the muzzle uses material suitable for flexible locking tabs, while the ring uses material providing rigid external constraint. This local quality optimization reduces overall material usage compared to manufacturing the entire structure from a single complex mold
3Reliability
If the locking cap requires assembly of multiple components with locking members, then the locking mechanism is robust, but the assembly time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking tabs are merged directly into the muzzle structure rather than being separate components. This integration allows the locking function to be achieved through the simple act of inserting the muzzle into the ring, eliminating the need for separate locking member assembly steps and making the operation quick and intuitive
Solution Approach 2:
The nested arrangement of the ring over the muzzle provides inherent guidance and alignment during assembly. The ring's internal geometry naturally guides the muzzle into the correct position, making the assembly process straightforward and rapid while ensuring robust locking through the tight nested fit
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 is easily mounted on the container, provides quick access to the contents, and is cost-effective to manufacture, ensuring a secure and sterile closure while minimizing material usage.
Implementation Method 1
the said first and second tabs of the muzzle are arranged in an inclined manner respectively in first and second openings formed by the meshes of the muzzle and in which said tabs can be erased during the assembly of the cap on the neck of the container
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a locking cap (1) made of a molded plastic material for a vessel (2) having a neck, intended for blocking a stopper (4) in said neck (3), including a wire-cap (6) adapted for surrounding the stopper (4) and the neck in the mounted configuration of the cap (1). The wire-cap includes first and second flexible tabs capable of being respectively blocked on the neck and on the stopper (4), said first tabs (8) being offset relative to said second tabs (9) in an axial direction relative to said neck (3). The cap (1) also includes a ring (7) surrounding the wire-cap (6) for preventing access to said tabs from outside the ring (7). The ring (7) and the wire-cap (6) are designed so as to be fitted and locked together. The tabs (8, 9) of the wire-cap are respectively arranged at an angle in first and second openings (13, 14) which are formed by the mesh of the wire-cap (6), and in which the tabs (8, 9) can disappear when mounting the cap (1) on the neck (3).