Pouring Element with Integrated Cutting Sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pouring elements for composite packaging are complex in construction, unreliable in opening, and limited in suitability due to the need for pre-perforated weakening lines, which restrict their use to specific packaging materials, and often result in incomplete or stuck closures.
Innovation Solution
A pouring element with a closure cap and cutting sleeve integrated as a one-piece part, where the closure cap is displaced axially to sever and pivot the cover within the pouring channel, ensuring a fluid-tight seal and easy opening without separate cutting components, and can be made from different materials for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cutting sleeve and lid are used to cut the freshness seal, then the product remains clean and hygienic, but the construction becomes complex with three parts that must be specifically shaped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lid and cutting sleeve into a single integrated component. The lid body incorporates a cutting edge directly on its lower surface, eliminating the need for a separate cutting sleeve. This integration maintains the cutting function while simplifying the overall structure from three parts to two parts (lid and closure base).
Solution Approach 2:
The lid serves multiple functions simultaneously: it seals the container, provides a cutting function through its integrated edge, and acts as a leverage tool for opening. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components while maintaining effectiveness.
2Ease of operation
If a pre-perforated weakening line is included, then the opening process is facilitated, but an additional manufacturing step is required
Solution Approach 1:
The closure base is pre-formed with an integrated hinge connection during the initial molding process, eliminating the need for separate perforation steps. The hinge area is created as part of the base structure, allowing the lid to be attached with built-in opening assistance without additional manufacturing operations.
3Manufacturing precision
If a cutting sleeve is used, then the freshness seal is cut cleanly, but the solution is limited to packaging materials that are easy to cut or can be pre-perforated
Solution Approach 1:
The lid incorporates a localized cutting edge with specific geometric properties optimized for cutting. The cutting edge features a sharp, angled geometry that concentrates force effectively. This localized design enables the lid to cut through various packaging materials directly, without requiring the entire packaging structure to be pre-perforated or easily cuttable.
4Strength
If the lid is screwed onto the closure base, then the pouring element can be attached securely, but the cover may break off before the cover can be removed
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge connection is pre-formed in the closure base, creating a predetermined failure point that allows the lid to pivot open before the threaded connection fully engages. This ensures the lid can be removed even if the thread engagement is incomplete, preventing situations where the lid breaks off during attachment.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention proceeds from a pouring-out element (11) for securing on a container (19) for the purpose of pouring out the container contents. The pouring-out element (11) has a closure cap (13), a lower closure part (15), for securing in a rotationally fixed manner on the container (19) and having a pouring-out channel (16), and also a cover (39), which is arranged in the pouring-out channel (16), and a cutting sleeve (43), which is connected in a non-releasable manner to the closure cap (13). The closure cap (13) can be displaced along the pouring-out channel (16) from a first position into a second position, and vice versa. Prior to displacement for the first time, in the first position, the pouring-out channel (16) is closed in a fluid-tight manner by the cover (39). According to the invention, once the closure cap (13) has been displaced into the second position, the cover (39) has a sub-region severed by the cutting sleeve (43) and is pivoted into the pouring-out channel (16) such that the container contents can be poured out through the pouring-out channel (16), wherein the cover (39) is fixed in a non-releasable manner by at least one retaining element (51) arranged on the lower closure part (15).