Pivoting Closure Assembly for Repeatable Beverage Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing resealable closure assemblies for beverage containers are complex, require multiple parts, and fail to ensure gas-tight sealing under internal pressures up to 6.2 bar, complicating recycling and consumer use.

Innovation Solution

A simplified closure assembly with a lid element and a closure element comprising a base part, lever, and cover, connected via pivot axes and a guide device, allowing for repeatable gas-tight sealing by pivoting the lever to open and close the opening, with components connected via rotation axes and a hinge for minimal parts and ease of use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex components and processes are used in resealable closure assemblies, then gas-tight sealing under internal pressure is achieved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost rises

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas-tight sealingVSAvoidclosure assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the closure element and lid element into a single integrated closure assembly that is non-removably arranged on the lid element. This merging of components simplifies the overall structure while maintaining gas-tight sealing capability under internal pressures up to 6.2 bar, eliminating the need for complex separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The closure assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides initial sealing, enables repeated resealing, maintains gas-tight closure under pressure, and allows for captive arrangement on the beverage container. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby simplifying the overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple parts are used in closure assemblies, then gas-tight sealing is achieved, but weight increases and logistics become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas-tight sealingVSAvoidclosure assembly weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The closure element is non-removably arranged on the lid element, effectively merging two components into one integrated unit. This reduces the total number of parts, decreases weight, and simplifies logistics handling while maintaining the gas-tight sealing function required for beverage containers under pressure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If complex processes are used for opening and closing, then reliable sealing is achieved, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidopening and closing operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The closure assembly is designed with a self-sealing mechanism where the closure element automatically maintains gas-tight closure through its integrated structure on the lid element. The lever mechanism provides automatic positioning and sealing action, reducing the need for complex manual operations while ensuring reliable sealing each time the container is opened and closed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of manufacture

If captive arrangement is implemented, then recycling is simplified, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecycling simplicityVSAvoidcaptive arrangement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The closure element is non-removably arranged on the lid element, creating a captive arrangement that simplifies recycling by keeping all components together as a single unit. The integrated design with the lever mechanism provides self-positioning features that maintain manufacturing precision through geometric constraints rather than requiring additional precision fastening operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 provides a lightweight, easy-to-use, and cost-effective closure that maintains gas-tight sealing even after initial opening, facilitating recycling and simplifying logistics with minimal components.

Implementation Method 1

The lever (11) is connected to the frame part (13) exclusively via a first axis of rotation (15) (and so as to be pivotable about this)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLever mechanism: Lever

Implementation Method 2

The lid (12) is connected to the frame part (13) exclusively via a second axis of rotation (17) (and so as to be pivotable about this) or via a hinge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHinge mechanism: Hinge

Data Source

PatentEP4313787B1Closure assembly for a beverage container and method for repeatably closing a beverage container with a closure assembly
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 ARDAGH METAL PACKAGING EUROPE GMBH
  • EP4313787B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4313787B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4313787B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a closure assembly (1) for a beverage container (2), at least comprising a lid element (3) having an opening (4), and a closure element (5) for repeatably closing the opening (4), said closure element being disposed on the lid element (3); wherein the lid element (3) has an outer side (6) and an inner side (7), and the opening (4) has an opening edge (8) and an opening plane (9) formed by the opening edge (8); wherein the closure element (5) has at least one base part (10), a tab (11) and a cover (12); wherein the base part (10) comprises a frame part (13) which is disposed on the opening edge (8) and has a window (14), the tab (11) being pivotably connected to the frame part (13) by means of a first axis of rotation (16); and wherein the cover (12) closes the window (14) in an initial position (16) of the closure arrangement (1) and is connected pivotably to the frame part (13) via a second axis of rotation (17) or via a hinge (33). The invention also relates to a method for repeatably closing an opening (4) of a beverage container (2) with a closure assembly (1)