Plastic Container Opening Means with Articulated Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing plastic containers with integrated dispensing devices are complex, expensive, and prone to errors in substrate discharge, often resulting in incomplete and uncontrolled dispensing, with components being difficult to assemble and clean.

Innovation Solution

A plastic container design featuring a container body and cover with an articulated connection section that allows for easy opening and controlled substrate release, using a loop-shaped or U-shaped connecting element to facilitate displacement and restore the container to a closed position, and optionally incorporating a piercer or flaps for precise substrate dispensing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components (container body, punch, sealing film) are used to create an integrated dispensing device, then the container can achieve substrate dispensing function, but the production cost increases and manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubstrate dispensing functionVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container body and container cover are merged into a single integrally molded unit, eliminating the need for separate components and assembly processes. The opening means is integrated directly into the container body structure, further reducing part count while maintaining the substrate dispensing function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The container body serves multiple functions: it contains the substrate, provides the opening means for dispensing, and includes the articulated connection section for controlled opening. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dispensing devices while achieving the same effect.

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

2Reliability

If a sealing film is used to close the container chamber, then the container can be sealed, but the severed film remains in the mixing container and is difficult to remove

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing functionVSAvoidremoval of opened components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is extracted from a separate sealing film and integrated into the container cover structure itself. The container cover with integrated opening means opens cleanly without leaving residual film fragments in the mixing container, solving the removal difficulty.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If the substrate is discharged through a simple opening mechanism, then the container can be opened easily, but the substrate discharge is uncontrolled and may get stuck on the mixing container neck

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening easeVSAvoidsubstrate discharge control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The opening means is designed to move dynamically from a closed to an open position through the articulated connection section. This controlled movement allows precise substrate discharge along the container axis, preventing uncontrolled scattering and sticking on the mixing container neck.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If the container cover is pressed out of snap-in connection with large force, then the container can be opened, but the hinge bridge may break and the sealing lid may fall into the mixing container

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer openingVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The container cover opening is transformed from a static snap-in connection requiring large force to a dynamic articulated movement. The articulated connection section allows gradual, controlled opening with minimal force, preventing hinge bridge breakage and seal lid fallout.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The opening mechanism changes from requiring high force (static) to requiring minimal force (dynamic). The articulated connection section modifies the force parameter needed for opening, making it gentle and controlled rather than abrupt and high-force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design enables cost-efficient production, controlled substrate release, and easy removal from mixing containers, reducing the risk of components sticking and ensuring complete dispensing into the mixing container.

Implementation Method 1

The upper border is connected to the container wall via an articulated connection section, the articulated connection section allowing the upper border to be displaced relative to the container wall

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3728072B1Plastic container having an opening means
Publication Date: 2023.07.12 MUHLEMANN IP GMBH
  • EP3728072B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3728072B1 patent drawingFigure 4(a)~4(b)
  • EP3728072B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a plastic container, comprising a container body (1), a container cover (2, 2', 2''), and an opening means (9) for opening the container cover (2, 2', 2''). The container body (1) comprises a container wall (3) and a container bottom (4) arranged in a lower region. A container opening (5) is formed at an upper end of the container body (1) lying opposite the container bottom (4). The container body (1) comprises a peripherally extending upper border (6) in the upper region. The container cover (2, 2', 2'') is fastened to the upper border (6) of the container body (1) in order to cover the container opening. According to the invention, the upper border (6) is connected to the container wall (3) at a distance radially outward from an upper edge (7) of the container wall (3) and by means of a flexible connecting portion (8), the flexible connecting portion (8) permitting sliding of the upper border (6) relative to the container wall (3) and to the opening means (9) such that the plastic container can be brought from a closed position into an open position.