Oil Pourer Closure With Deformable Snap-Fit Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oil pourers suffer from resistance and noise during opening and closing due to snap-fitting mechanisms, which can damage the pouring lip and cause liquid to adhere, leading to undesirable spray and flow interruptions when partially empty.
Innovation Solution
A closure system where the inner stopper and pouring body are designed with snap-fitting engagement means that require a higher force for initial assembly but are prevented from re-engaging during normal opening and closing operations, utilizing deformable materials and shapes to ensure smooth operation and prevent liquid adherence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If snap-fitting mutual engagement means are used to fix inner stopper and pouring body together, then the two parts remain fixed during production and transport, but resistance and noise occur during opening and closing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The mutual engagement means are designed to be dynamically selective: they engage during production/transport but disengage during normal use. The geometry allows automatic engagement when parts are separated and brought together during assembly, while preventing re-engagement during closing operations due to the specific engagement direction and force requirements.
2Strength
If snap-fitting mechanism is used to fix pouring body to inner stopper, then parts are securely fixed, but pouring lip may be damaged due to repeated stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement of mutual engagement means is performed as a preliminary action during production before the closure is fitted to the container. Once engaged, the design prevents further engagement cycles during normal use, thereby eliminating repeated stress on the pouring lip that would occur with each opening and closing operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If snap-fitting of pouring lip is used for fixing, then parts are secured together, but oil adheres to the pouring lip
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing function is extracted from the pouring lip itself and transferred to dedicated mutual engagement means positioned elsewhere on the inner stopper and pouring body. This separates the fixation function from the liquid-contact surface, allowing the pouring lip to remain clean and free of adhering oil while still achieving secure component fixation.
4Stability of the object's composition
If snap-fitting engagement is designed for secure fixation, then parts remain fixed, but audible click is produced during opening
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement mechanism is designed to be dynamic and selective in its operation. The mutual engagement means engage during production/transport but are designed to disengage smoothly during normal opening operations, eliminating the audible click that would occur with repeated snap-fitting engagement and disengagement during each use cycle.
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 solution eliminates perceptible resistance and noise during opening and closing, promotes a regular liquid outflow, and reduces the 'surge' phenomenon, preventing unwanted spray and ensuring smooth functionality.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the inner stopper (4) and the pouring body (2) is made from a material which is deformable under the action of forces which can be exerted on them by normal operations of opening and closing the closure (1)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a closure (1) for a container (100) having a neck and a mouth, such as an oil bottle, the closure having snap-fitting mutual engagement means (8). The closure (1) has portions (10) whose deformability is such that, after the initial opening, it is no longer possible to re-engage the mutual engagement means (8) simply by reclosing the closure (1).