Reusable Cap With Movable Tabs for Damage-Free Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing caps for food or cosmetic containers are not reusable across different containers and do not provide stable coupling without risking damage to the container, lacking additional functional features.
Innovation Solution
A reusable cap design featuring a tubular body with movable tabs that can transition between rest and locking configurations, coupled with elastic constraint means, allowing secure attachment to various containers without breakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a stiff base is used in the first portion to ensure stability, then the cap can provide sufficient stability, but insertion into a new casing results in breakage of the casing
Solution Approach 1:
The base is designed to be deformable rather than rigid, allowing it to adapt dynamically to the casing dimensions. The base can deform during insertion to accommodate the access hole and then stabilize once properly positioned, eliminating the breakage issue while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical properties of the base are changed from rigid to deformable, allowing it to change shape and adapt to different casing geometries. This parameter change enables the base to provide stability without causing damage during insertion.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a deformable base is used to avoid breakage, then the cap can be inserted without damaging the casing, but the cap becomes easily removable and cannot ensure proper storage
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is divided into multiple components: the deformable base, the wedge portion, and the locking system. The base provides initial insertion and positioning, while the wedge portion and locking mechanism provide secure retention, achieving both gentle insertion and stable fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The base transitions from a deformable state during insertion to a stabilized state during use. The deformability is temporary and controlled, allowing the base to conform to the casing and then maintain a stable configuration that prevents unwanted removal.
3Reliability
If conventional cap designs are used, then the cap can protect the contents, but the same cap cannot be reused for other containers
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is designed with universal adaptability through its deformable base and modular structure, allowing it to fit different container types and sizes. The wedge portion and locking mechanism provide consistent securing functionality across various container geometries, enabling reuse while maintaining protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap's physical parameters (shape, size, configuration) can be adjusted through the deformable base to match different container characteristics. This adaptability allows the same cap design to provide reliable protection across multiple container types while remaining reusable.
4Ease of operation
If conventional connection mechanisms are used, then the cap can be attached to the container, but the connection is not resistant to sustained pulling forces
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge portion is designed to be inserted first, creating a preliminary mechanical interlock before the locking mechanism is engaged. This preliminary action establishes a strong foundation that resists pulling forces while keeping the overall operation simple and sequential.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism transitions from a simple attachment state to a locked state through the wedge portion and locking system. The dynamic engagement of these components creates a progressive strengthening of the connection, providing high resistance to pulling forces while maintaining ease of operation through clear sequential steps.
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 cap is easily adaptable to any container, ensuring stable coupling and preventing unwanted opening while avoiding damage, with optional dispensing mechanisms for controlled substance delivery.
Implementation Method 1
at least one constraint means (5) configured to deform elastically and determine at least two solutions
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~3
Figure 4a~4c
AI summary
A reusable cap (1) is provided comprising at least a first tubular body (2) defining a central axis (2a) and including a base (20) developing, at a first end (2a) of the first body (2), around the central axis (2a) on a plane perpendicular to the central axis (2a) and adapted to be placed in contact with a casing around an access; and one or more tabs (4) developing, at least when the cap (1) is in use, parallel to the base (20) at least at two distal zones of the first body (2) reciprocally opposite with respect to the central axis (2a) and of which at least one is movable at least radially with respect to the central axis (2a) so as to be able to define at least one rest configuration in which the at least one movable tab (4) is closest to the central axis (2a) and lies internally to the first body (2) or is inscribed within a projection of the first body (2) along the central axis (2a), and a locking configuration in which the at least one movable tab (4) is pushed away from the central axis (2a) and further away from the central axis (2a) to overlap the base (20) such that, when the cap (1) is in use, the one or more tabs (4) and the base (20) can trap part of the casing around the access.