Perforator Cap with Movable Ring for Tube Liner Piercing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for flexible tubes with perforating plugs often result in the punch protruding during use and storage, risking damage or injury, and require multiple steps to pierce the cap, which can be confusing for users.
Innovation Solution
A tube closure assembly featuring a stopper with a punch and a movable ring that transitions from a deployed position to a retracted position via a bayonet-type movement, protecting the punch before use and allowing piercing without removing the ring, thus preventing damage and simplifying the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the punch protrudes from the cap during use and storage, then the piercing function is accessible, but the punch risks being damaged, damaging other tubes, or injuring the user
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is positioned around the cap such that it covers and protects the protruding punch when the cap is in the standby position. The ring acts as a protective enclosure, nesting the hazardous punch element within a safer configuration during storage and transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring is designed to be movable relative to the cap, transitioning between a deployed protective position and a retracted position that allows the punch to pierce the seal. This dynamic movement enables the system to adapt between safety during storage and functionality during use.
2Reliability
If a ring is placed between the cap and the shoulder of the tube head to keep the punch away from the seal, then the seal is preserved before first use, but the user must perform multiple steps to pierce the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The functions of seal protection and seal piercing are merged into a single cap assembly operation. By integrating the movable ring mechanism directly with the cap, the system eliminates the need for separate protection and piercing steps, reducing operational complexity while maintaining seal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap assembly is designed to automatically perform both protection and piercing functions through its own structure and movement. The movable ring mechanism self-regulates to protect the seal during storage and automatically positions itself to allow piercing when the cap is installed, without requiring separate user actions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the punch is positioned within the cap, then the punch is protected during storage, but the seal cannot be pierced without removing additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is designed with dynamic movement capability relative to the cap, transitioning from a protective deployed position that encloses the punch to a retracted position that clears the piercing path. This dynamic mechanism allows the punch to remain protected during storage while enabling easy access during use without component removal.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an assembly (1) for closing a tube, said assembly (1) comprising: - a cap (5) including a punch (19) adapted for cutting a liner, said liner being adapted for sealing a neck of a head of the tube, said cap (5) being configured to be fixed on said neck in a first position, said standby position, and a second position, said operating position, - a ring (11) movably fixed to said cap (5), said assembly (1) being configured to allow passage from a deployed position for the purpose of protecting said punch (19) by said ring (11) in the standby position of said cap (5) to a retracted position for the purpose of piercing said liner by said punch (19) in the operating position of said cap (5), a passage from the deployed position to the retracted position of said assembly (1) being effected by sliding the cap (5) through the ring (11).The invention also relates to a tube comprising such an assembly.