Recyclable Pouring Spout Closure With External Sealing Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current plastic spout devices on packaging are not recyclable, posing an environmental challenge, and there is a need for an efficient, cost-effective alternative that can be used on recyclable materials like paper-based packaging.
Innovation Solution
A spout device made of minimal plastic, with a frame and lid of recyclable materials, and sealing elements of bio-based plastic film, ensuring leak-proof closure and easy attachment to paper-based packaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pour spout is integrated with a beverage container, then convenience for the end user is improved, but the container becomes difficult to recycle
Solution Approach 1:
The pour spout assembly is segmented into separate components: the spout body, cap, and grommet that can be detached from the beverage container. This segmentation allows the container to be easily separated and recycled while the spout components can be reused or disposed of separately, resolving the contradiction between user convenience and recyclability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pour spout is designed as a removable component that can be extracted from the beverage container. The spout assembly includes a spout body with a cap and grommet that can be completely removed, allowing the container to be processed for recycling without the spout components, thereby maintaining both user convenience and recyclability.
2Ease of operation
If a pour spout is integrated with a beverage container, then convenience for the end user is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spout assembly is divided into modular segments (spout body, cap, grommet) that can be manufactured separately using standard plastic molding processes and then assembled. This segmentation reduces manufacturing complexity by allowing each component to be produced independently with established techniques rather than requiring complex integrated manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The spout assembly is designed as a universal component that can be attached to various types of beverage containers. The standardized spout body, cap, and grommet configuration allows it to function with different container shapes and sizes, reducing the need for custom manufacturing for each container type and thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
3Ease of operation
If a pour spout is integrated with a beverage container, then convenience for the end user is improved, but material usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pour spout is designed as a removable component that can be extracted from the beverage container. This extraction allows the spout components to be separated from the container, enabling the container to be recycled with reduced material requirements while the spout components can be reused or processed separately, thereby addressing material usage concerns.
Solution Approach 2:
The spout assembly is designed to be easily separated and discarded or recovered from the beverage container. The modular design with distinct spout body, cap, and grommet components allows for selective recovery and recycling of materials, reducing overall material waste by enabling separate processing of different materials used in the assembly.
Data Source
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AI summary
A pouring spout device (100) for packaging, comprising: - a surround (1) provided with a pouring opening (2), - a cap (3) connected to the surround (1) by a hinge (4), the cap (3) being configured to pivot between a closed position, in which the cap (3) closes the pouring opening (2), and an open position, in which the cap (3) frees the pouring opening (2), - a plastic sealing part (10) on the cap (3) is arranged on an external face (E) of the cap (3) and extends along the edge of the cap (3), the sealing part (10) comprising two lateral sealing portions (6, 6') which project from the lateral sides (9, 9') of the cap (3) and a connecting portion (7) connecting the two lateral portions (6, 6') and projecting from an upper side (8) of the cap (3), the two lateral portions (6, 6') and the connecting portion (7) being configured to bear against a surface (5) of the surround (1) when the cap (3) is in the closed position.