Push Button Latching Assembly for Liquid Container Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current closure mechanisms for liquid containers, such as push/pull spouts and flip tops, are not as secure as screw-type closures and can leak over time due to wear, making it difficult to discern the fully closed position and potentially leading to spillage during outdoor activities.
Innovation Solution
An integrated push button latching assembly that is pivotally attached to the lid, allowing for one-handed operation between closed and open positions, providing a secure seal and easy cleaning, with a design that includes a cap and push button mechanism to toggle between engaged and disengaged positions using a spring biasing force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If push/pull spouts or flip top mechanisms are used for selective dispensing, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to friction wear and inability to maintain secure seal
Solution Approach 1:
The closure is divided into functionally independent segments: a screw-threaded portion for secure attachment to the container, and a separate push button latching assembly for controlled dispensing. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its specific function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability of seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure employs composite structural design combining friction-based screw threads for secure mounting with a positive engagement latching mechanism featuring a tongue and groove interface. This composite approach integrates two different sealing principles, maintaining both the ease of push-button operation and the reliability of a secure, leak-proof seal.
2Ease of manufacture
If friction-based mechanisms are used for closure, then ease of manufacture is improved, but durability worsens due to increasing leakage over time
Solution Approach 1:
The latching assembly includes a spring mechanism that预先 (in advance) maintains the tongue in constant contact with the spout opening, creating a pre-loaded secure seal. This preliminary action compensates for wear over time, ensuring the seal remains effective throughout the product's duration without degrading.
3Ease of operation
If push button latching assembly is integrated into the lid, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The push button mechanism and latching assembly are merged into a single integrated unit that pivots as one component. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall structure, achieving one-handed operation without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it seals the spout opening, provides a positive locking mechanism, and enables one-handed operation through the push button. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, managing device complexity while enhancing ease of operation.
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 push button latching assembly offers a secure, leak-proof seal that can be easily opened and closed with one hand, enhancing usability and preventing spillage, while also being removable for cleaning, addressing the limitations of existing mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a spring biased push button latching assembly
Implementation Method 2
pivotally attached to the lid at one or more pivot points defining a pivotal axis
Data Source
AI summary
Closures having an integrated push button latching assembly including an end wall, a skirt wall depending from the end wall, an outlet opening associated with the end wall, a protrusion associated with the end wall and a push button latching assembly are disclosed. The push button latching assembly is pivotally coupled to the closure and is movable between a first position in which the outlet opening is covered by the assembly and a second position in which the outlet opening is exposed. The push button latching assembly includes a retaining mechanism, a closing member coupled to the retaining mechanism, a push button coupled to the retaining mechanism, and a tongue coupled to the retaining mechanism. The tongue is configured to engage the protrusion when the push button latching assembly occupies the first position and disengage the protrusion such that the push button latching assembly is movable to the second position.