Reclosable Pour-Out Element With Circumferential Retaining Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reclosable pouring elements for composite beverage packaging face challenges in securing a firm connection with the mandrel during sealing and subsequent easy removal, while also requiring complex cleaning due to deep recesses in the mandrel, which can lead to contamination.
Innovation Solution
A resealable pouring element with a truncated pyramid-shaped flange and a circumferential holding element for positive operative connection with the mandrel, allowing secure attachment and easy removal, along with a design that facilitates cleaning and reduces the depth of the holding element, combined with a mandrel featuring a peripheral holding element or groove for enhanced stability and protection of the barrier film.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If deep recesses are provided in the mandrel for clamping the pouring element, then a firm hold is achieved, but cleaning effort increases and contamination risk rises
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping connection is segmented into multiple circumferential holding elements (projections or grooves) distributed around the mandrel-pouring element interface. This segmentation provides sufficient clamping firmness through distributed contact points while keeping each individual holding element shallow, thereby reducing cleaning effort and contamination risk.
2Strength
If deep recesses are provided in the mandrel for clamping the pouring element, then a firm hold is achieved, but removal difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping connection is segmented into multiple circumferential holding elements rather than a single deep recess. This allows the pouring element to be securely held during sealing while enabling easier removal through uniform force distribution, preventing the pouring element from becoming stuck in deep recesses.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometry of the holding elements is changed from deep single recesses to shallower circumferential features. This parameter change maintains clamping firmness through increased contact area while reducing the depth parameter that causes removal difficulties and cleaning issues.
3Reliability
If multiple clamping elements are provided on the pouring element, then secure connection is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mandrel is designed with universal circumferential holding elements that can accommodate different pouring element designs. The holding elements serve multiple functions: providing clamping firmness, enabling easy removal, and facilitating cleaning. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining connection reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a reclosable pour-out element for packaging, particularly composite packaging for liquid foodstuffs, with a main body (1) having a pour-out tube (3) closed off by a screw cap (2) and a flange (4) with polyhedral surfaces for connection to the outer side of packaging. The invention further relates to a corresponding mandrel (12) of a rotatable mandrel wheel in a packaging machine. To enable reliable connection of the reclosable pour-out element on a mandrel (12) and subsequently easy removal from the mandrel (12) and also to achieve good possibilities for cleaning, according to the invention the pour-out element has a circumferential retaining element (8) inside the main body (1) for form-fitting operative connection to a mandrel (12) in a packaging machine. A corresponding mandrel (12) has a polyhedral shape in the receiving region of the pour-out element and has a circumferential retaining element (13) for form-fitting operative connection to the pour-out element.