Over-cap device for tool-free container closure

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing container closure systems, such as metal caps and screw-on caps, often require tools for removal and do not provide a seamless transition between the cap and container body, leading to potential leakage and user inconvenience.

Innovation Solution

A container and closure system featuring an over-cap device with a top wall, outer wall, cap engagement wall, and spacing wall, non-releasably engaged with the cap using press fitting or snap fit mechanisms, providing a smooth transition and rotational locking, while allowing the cap to be releasably engaged with the container.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional metal caps or screw-on caps are used, then the closure can be securely attached to the container, but tool removal is required and the transition between cap and container body is not seamless

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEase of removalVSAvoidStructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closure system is divided into three distinct components: the cap, the over-cap device, and the container. The over-cap device acts as an intermediary component that engages with both the cap and the container body, enabling tool-free removal while maintaining secure attachment during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The over-cap device serves as a mediator between the cap and the container body. It provides the breaking engagement feature that allows the entire closure assembly to be easily removed from the container neck without requiring tools, while still maintaining a secure seal during normal use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional caps are used, then the closure can seal the bottle opening, but the transition between cap and container body is not smooth, leading to potential leakage

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSealing reliabilityVSAvoidTransition smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The over-cap device incorporates a breaking engagement feature at a specific location (the engagement interface between the over-cap device and the container neck) that allows for smooth transition and reliable sealing. This localized feature enables the closure assembly to conform to the container opening while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the over-cap device is non-releasably engaged with the cap, then secure sealing is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSealing securityVSAvoidEngagement mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The over-cap device combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural support, creates the breaking engagement feature for easy removal, and ensures secure attachment to the cap through non-releasable engagement. This integration reduces the need for additional complex mechanisms while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3353084B1Container closure with over-cap device
Publication Date: 2021.07.28 PEPSICO INC
  • EP3353084B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3353084B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3353084B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

An over-cap device for use with containers having caps. The over-cap device includes an outer wall, a cap engagement wall, and a spacing wall. The cap engagement wall may nonreleasably engage an outer surface of the cap and the spacing wall may engage a top surface of the cap. The cap may releasably engage a container.