Pivotable Disc Closure Actuator With Latch Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Leakage of products during shipping and handling of individual bottles is a significant concern for consumer goods manufacturers, particularly in e-commerce, due to the instability of disc closures which can inadvertently open during transport.
Innovation Solution
A pivotable disc closure actuator with an extension panel, living hinge, and latch mechanism that secures the closure in a locked position during transport and allows easy opening for product dispensing, featuring a circular closing surface, pivots, and a latch retainer for secure closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a disc closure is designed to be easily opened for product dispensing, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to unintended opening during shipping
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system transitions from a static locked state during shipping to a dynamic easily-opened state during use. The actuator mechanism allows the closure to dynamically change its locking state - remaining securely locked during transport but enabling quick opening when activated by the consumer, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The closure is divided into functionally separate components: a secure locking mechanism for shipping integrity and an actuator system for easy opening. This segmentation allows the locking portion to maintain reliability while the actuator portion provides ease of operation, with each component optimized for its specific function
2Reliability
If a disc closure is secured with a locking mechanism to prevent leakage, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism and the actuator are merged into a single integrated closure system. The actuator serves dual purposes: it locks the closure during shipping and simultaneously provides the opening function. This merging reduces overall device complexity compared to having separate locking and opening mechanisms while maintaining reliable leakage prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator component performs multiple functions: it acts as both the locking mechanism and the opening mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity while ensuring reliable prevention of unintended opening and leakage
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 effectively prevents unintended opening and leakage during shipping and handling, ensuring product integrity and facilitating easy dispensing when needed, thus addressing the challenges of product loss and customer satisfaction in e-commerce.
Implementation Method 1
an extension panel (22) connected to the actuator by a living hinge (15)
Implementation Method 2
The actuator includes a latch member (24) extending inwardly toward the closing surface (12) when the extension panel is in the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A pivotable disc closure actuator, a closure including the actuator and the closure combined with a bottle or other container. The actuator includes a closing surface which includes a product dispensing opening at a front thereof, at least two pivots on the closing surface, an extension panel extending from a peripheral wall of the closing surface and having a locking and an unlocking position, the pivots being intermediate the product opening and the extension panel, and the extension panel having a latch member extending inwardly toward the closing surface when the extension panel is in the locked position. The closure may include a closure base which may in turn include a cutout or opening in its outer wall. In its locked position the extension panel may rest on a surface of the cut out or outer wall to prevent the actuator from rotating from its closed position to an open position.