Preassembled Closure with Removable Wall for Aseptic Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Affixing a multi-component closure to a container neck is a complex, multi-step process that is further complicated by the need to maintain aseptic conditions, requiring a solution that simplifies the attachment process while ensuring sterility.
Innovation Solution
A preassembled multi-component closure system comprising a cap with a body and lid pivotally coupled via a hinge, an insert with a removable separation wall, and an outer ring that frictionally engages with the container neck, allowing for simplified and aseptic attachment by pre-engaging the closure components before application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a multi-component closure is affixed to a container neck using traditional methods, then each component can be securely attached, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming with multiple steps required for each component
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is pre-assembled within the closure body before the closure is applied to the container neck. This preliminary assembly eliminates the need for separate attachment steps for each component during the closing operation, simplifying the overall process while ensuring proper component alignment and secure attachment.
2Productivity
If traditional multi-step closure attachment is used, then each component can be properly positioned, but the time required for the process increases and aseptic conditions become harder to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
By pre-assembling the insert within the closure body in a controlled manufacturing environment, the closure can be applied to the container neck as a single unit in one swift operation. This reduces the time the container neck is exposed to potential contamination while maintaining proper component positioning and secure attachment.
3Ease of operation
If multiple separate attachment steps are used for closure components, then each component can be securely fixed, but the overall process becomes more difficult to control and maintain sterility
Solution Approach 1:
The insert and closure body are combined into a single pre-assembled unit, allowing the entire closure mechanism to be applied to the container neck in one operation. This merging of components simplifies the attachment process to a single straightforward step while minimizing the container neck's exposure to potential contamination sources.
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 simplifies the attachment process by preassembling the closure components, ensuring aseptic conditions are maintained and reducing the complexity of affixing the closure to the container neck, while providing a secure and leak-proof seal.
Implementation Method 1
The insert interfaces with the closure, thereby frictionally engaging the insert the at least one of the body and the lid
Implementation Method 2
frictionally engaging the insert with the container neck includes the outer ring engaging the container neck
Data Source
AI summary
A cap is provided for coupling to a container. The cap includes a closure and an insert that may be coupled together prior to affixing the cap to a container. The insert may include a removable wall coupled to a pull tab, the removable wall detaching from the insert in response to a user pulling on the pull tab.