Reusable Closure With Membrane-Piercing Base for Aseptic Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plastic containers face challenges with manufacturing costs, assembly complexities, and sustainability, particularly in the design of reusable closures, and existing plastic containers are cumbersome and inefficient in handling and recycling.
Innovation Solution
A reusable closure system comprising a base and a lid, the base and the lid being connected by a hinge such that the lid is movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the base comprises a flowable medium dispensing passage, and the hinge comprises a hinge such that the lid is movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the base extends longitudinally from a first end to a second end, wherein the base comprises a flowable medium dispensing passage extending along the longitudinal length of the base between the first end of the base and the second end of the base, wherein, in use, the dispensing passage is adapted to communicate with the dispensing opening of the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional closures are formed from two or more separate parts using multiple injection molding processes, then the closure can provide sealing function, but the manufacturing cost increases and production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure is formed as a single integrated piece using one injection molding process, merging functions that were previously separated into multiple components. The single piece includes the body, sealing elements, and tamper-evident features all formed together, eliminating the need for multiple molding processes and reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining sealing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The closure utilizes a tamper-evident band made of tearable material (such as foil or paper) that is integrated with the plastic closure body. This composite structure provides both sealing function and tamper evidence capability in a single molded piece, reducing the need for separate components and assembly steps
2Reliability
If conventional closures are formed from two or more separate parts using multiple molds and materials, then the closure can provide tamper-evident features, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tamper-evident band is integrated directly into the closure body through co-molding or overmolding processes, merging the tamper-evident feature with the closure structure. This eliminates separate assembly steps and reduces device complexity while maintaining the tamper-evident function
Solution Approach 2:
The closure includes self-contained tamper-evident features that automatically indicate tampering through visual cues (such as broken seals or displaced bands) without requiring additional mechanisms or components, simplifying the overall closure structure
3Reliability
If conventional closures require expensive tooling and difficult assembly operations, then the closure can be installed on containers, but the productivity decreases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure incorporates self-aligning and self-sealing features that enable automatic installation without complex tooling. The closure body includes integrated sealing lips and positioning features that guide proper placement on the container opening, allowing rapid assembly and improving productivity while ensuring reliable installation
Solution Approach 2:
The complex assembly operations and expensive tooling requirements are eliminated by designing the closure to install itself through simple snap-fit or friction-fit mechanisms, extracting the need for specialized assembly equipment and reducing both cost and time
4Reliability
If plastic containers are discarded together with closures after material exhaustion, then the container can be disposed of, but the sustainability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure is designed with a separable tamper-evident band that can be easily removed from the reusable closure body. This segmentation allows the plastic closure body to be reused with new containers while the disposable band is discarded with the container, reducing plastic waste and improving sustainability
Solution Approach 2:
The closure system enables recovery and reuse of the reusable closure body while allowing disposal of only the consumable band portion. This selective discarding and recovery approach reduces overall waste and environmental impact compared to discarding the entire closure assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A reusable closure is provided. The closure includes a base and a lid, wherein the base comprises a flowable medium dispensing passage extending along the longitudinal length of the base between the first end of the base and a point beyond the second end of the base, wherein, in use, the dispensing passage is adapted to communicate with the dispensing opening of the container. The base comprises first coupling elements adapted to mate with second coupling means forming part of the dispensing channel of the container such that, in use, the reusable container is attached to the container. The base comprises one or more cutting elements configured to break a scaling membrane situated within the opening of the container. Kits and methods for attaching a reusable closure to a dispensing passage of a container are also provided.