Package Closure Moulding with Integrated Cap and Neck
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing package closure production methods are complex and expensive, requiring multiple moulding tools and steps, making them inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that form a package closure with a neck and cap as a single integrated unit using movable jaws and tool cores, allowing for simultaneous formation of threads and a tamper-evident ring, enabling axial displacement to engage threads without screwing, thus simplifying and cost-reducing the production process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If package closure is produced using separate moulding tools for cap and neck, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cap moulding tool and neck moulding tool into a single integrated moulding device. The first moulding tool forms both the cap and neck in one operation, eliminating the need for separate tools and subsequent assembly steps. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision through the integrated tool design.
Solution Approach 2:
The moulding process is segmented into distinct phases within a single tool: first forming the cap with thread, then forming the neck with thread, and finally assembling them through axial displacement. This segmentation allows complex operations to be performed sequentially by one tool rather than requiring multiple tools simultaneously.
2Strength
If cap and neck are assembled through threading, then connection strength is improved, but production time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The threads on both the cap and neck are pre-formed during the moulding process itself, rather than being created during assembly. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming threading operations during assembly, reducing production time while maintaining connection strength through the pre-formed threaded structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The moulding and threading operations are merged into a single integrated process. The first moulding tool simultaneously forms the cap structure and creates the thread on its inner surface, then forms the neck with its external thread. This combining of operations eliminates separate threading steps and reduces overall production time.
3Productivity
If package closure is produced as integrated unit, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first moulding tool incorporates movable components that can change position and configuration during the moulding process. The tool transitions between different moulding states to form the cap and neck sequentially, and then facilitates their assembly through axial displacement. This dynamic capability allows one tool to perform multiple operations that would otherwise require separate static tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The moulding process utilizes parameter changes in the plastic material, particularly temperature control. The material is heated to a temperature where it remains flexible enough to allow axial displacement and assembly of cap and neck, then cooled to set the final structure. This parameter control enables complex integrated production without requiring excessively complex tooling.
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
Enables quick and efficient production of tamper-proof, resealable package closures with a screw cap in a single tool, reducing production complexity and costs while maintaining functionality.
Implementation Method 1
pushed over the threads of the neck and the threads engage each other due to an inherent flexibility of the threads
Implementation Method 2
by means of the inner tool core retaining the cap by the projection formed on the interior side of the cap
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for producing a package closure (10) having a neck (18) and a cap (19), comprising the steps of by means of movable jaws (11, 12) and an outer tool core (16) forming the neck (18) and the cap (19) in one single integrated piece, wherein the neck (18) is connected to the cap (19) through a notch (23), by means of an inner tool core (17) forming a flexible projection (28) on an inner side of the cap (19) for interaction with the inner tool core (17), displacing the outer tool core (16) in relation to the package closure (10) and the inner tool core (17) to at least partially disengage the package closure (10) from the outer tool core (16), by means of the inner tool core (17) retaining the cap (19) by the projection (28) formed on the interior side of the cap (19) and simultaneously, by means of an ejector (15), displacing the neck (18) in relation to the cap (19) and breaking the notch (23) to form a package closure having a cap (19) mounted on the neck (18), by means of the ejector (15) displacing the package closure (10) in relation to the inner tool core (17), so that the projection (28) by its flexibility is disengaged from the inner tool core (17). The invention is also related to a package closure and a device for production thereof and use of such a device.