Push Button Container Closure Tooling With Single-Station Scoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional manufacturing processes for container closures, particularly those with push button designs, require multiple press stations and precise alignment, leading to increased complexity, cost, and potential misalignment issues.
Innovation Solution
The proposed method and tooling assembly streamline the manufacturing process by consolidating all score lines into a single press station, eliminating the need for precise alignment between press stations and reducing the number of manufacturing stations required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple press stations are used to form score lines on container closures, then the scoring function can be achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple press stations into a single integrated press station that forms all score lines simultaneously. The die includes multiple cutting edges arranged to create different score line patterns (concentric circles, radial lines, etc.) in one operation, eliminating the need for sequential processing at multiple stations and reducing device complexity while maintaining scoring reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The single press station is designed with universal functionality to create various score line configurations through different cutting edge arrangements on the die. The same press station can produce concentric circular scores, radial scores, and combination patterns by reconfiguring or selecting different cutting edges, making it a multi-functional tool that replaces multiple specialized press stations
2Reliability
If multiple press stations are used to form score lines, then scoring can be achieved, but manufacturing time and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple press stations into a single integrated press station that forms all score lines simultaneously. The die includes multiple cutting edges arranged to create different score line patterns (concentric circles, radial lines, etc.) in one operation, eliminating the need for sequential processing at multiple stations and reducing device complexity while maintaining scoring reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The single press station performs all scoring operations in one continuous action without interruption or repositioning of the container closure between stations. The simultaneous formation of multiple score line patterns in a single pressing operation eliminates idle time and sequential processing delays, significantly improving manufacturing productivity
3Reliability
If multiple press stations are used, then score lines can be formed, but alignment precision becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple press stations into a single integrated press station that forms all score lines simultaneously. The die includes multiple cutting edges arranged to create different score line patterns (concentric circles, radial lines, etc.) in one operation, eliminating the need for sequential processing at multiple stations and reducing device complexity while maintaining scoring reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The die is segmented into multiple independent cutting edges, each responsible for creating specific score line patterns. This segmentation allows each cutting edge to be precisely positioned and adjusted independently on the same die, ensuring accurate score line formation without the cumulative alignment errors that would occur across multiple separate press stations
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
This approach enhances manufacturing efficiency, reduces costs, and improves the reliability of the process by simplifying the tooling and eliminating alignment-related issues, resulting in a more efficient production of container closures.
Implementation Method 1
A first press station deforms the center panel of the container closure to include a bubble projecting upwardly from a remainder of the center panel
Implementation Method 2
A second press station further deforms the center panel at the bubble to form a central button and a depressed annular region surrounding the central button
Implementation Method 3
A third press station deforms an outer region of the center panel located between the depressed annular region and the sidewall to reshape the center panel at the outer region and thereby move the central button upwardly closer to an elevation of the corner junction
Implementation Method 4
A fourth press station scores the depressed annular region surrounding the central button to provide main scores and ancillary scores into an upper surface of the container closure
Data Source
AI summary
A tooling assembly and related method of manufacture for making a push button container closure are provided. Advantageously, the tooling assembly only includes one “all in one” press station at which all score lines are cut into the blank that is being formed into the container closure. Furthermore, the profiles and features of the container closure are generally rotationally symmetrical except at the score lines, and as such, no orientation dimples or other features need to be formed in the blank or used to maintain an exact rotational position of the blank as it moves between the various press stations of the tooling assembly. As a result, the manufacturing tooling itself is easier to use and more efficient because at least one press/scoring station and the orientation equipment of conventional tooling designs are no longer necessary in this process.