Package Spout Cutter Control via Rotating Lid Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spouts for packages filled with pourable products require the lid to be detached for cutter control, leading to potential loss of the lid.
Innovation Solution
A spout assembly with a base frame fitted around the designated pour opening, an opening assembly with a cutter that can be controlled without detaching the lid, and a control device interacting with the opening assembly to manage its movement between rest and operative configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lid is detached to control the cutter, then the cutter can be controlled to direct towards and through the pour opening surface area, but the lid may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is integrated with the lid assembly, merging the lid detachment function with the cutter control function into a single unified component. This allows the user to control the cutter while the lid remains attached to the package, eliminating the risk of losing the lid while maintaining ease of operation.
2Reliability
If the lid remains attached during cutter control, then the lid cannot be lost, but the cutter control mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lid assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the closure for the pouring outlet and as the control device for the cutter. By making the lid multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate complex control mechanisms while maintaining reliability through continuous attachment.
3Strength
If a threaded lid is used to close the pouring outlet, then the lid can be securely attached, but the lid must be detached for cutter control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lid attachment function with the cutter control function by integrating the control device with the lid assembly. This allows the lid to remain securely attached during cutter control, eliminating the need for detachment while maintaining both strength of attachment 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
Enables the piercing or cutting of the package opening without detaching any parts, improving usability and reducing the risk of losing the lid.
Implementation Method 1
The rototraslatory movement of the cutter is also defined by means of a cam mechanism of which a portion is provided on the inner surface of the collar and another portion is provided on an outer surface of the cutter facing the inner surface of the collar.
Data Source
AI summary
A spout includes a base frame fittable about a designated package pour opening surface area, an opening assembly moveably coupled to the base frame and adapted to at least partially cut/rupture/open/pierce the pour opening surface area, and a control device configured to control the opening assembly. The control device comprises at least one interaction element connected to the opening assembly, at least one control ring rotatably coupled to the base frame and at least one interaction member connected/coupled to the control ring and configured to interact with the interaction element. In use, upon rotating the control ring, the interaction member interacts with the interaction element to induce translation of a cutter of the opening assembly for controlling the opening assembly from a rest configuration to an operative configuration and an axial end portion of the interaction member is arranged within a rotation plane fixed relative to the base frame.