Rotary Closure Mechanism for Simplified Cleaning and Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closures for containers, particularly for liquids, often have complex structures that are difficult to clean and assemble, leading to instability and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A mechanically stable closure system comprising a ring-shaped base element and a rotatable rotary element, where the rotary element can be rotated between open and closed states, constricting or opening the closure opening through a closing element such as a membrane or cords, ensuring a liquid-tight seal without the need for additional locking devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a complex structure with multiple components is used to achieve closure functionality, then the closure can be opened and closed, but the structure becomes difficult to clean and assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The closure is divided into two main segments: a base element that remains stationary and a rotary element that rotates to open and close the container. This segmentation allows the complex closing mechanism to be isolated in a separate rotatable component, making the overall structure easier to clean and assemble while maintaining functional complexity only where necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary element is rotatably mounted within the base element, creating a nested configuration where the rotating closure mechanism is contained within the stationary base. This nesting reduces the overall footprint and simplifies the external structure, making the closure easier to clean while housing the necessary mechanical components internally.
2Reliability
If a twisting membrane mechanism is used to secure the closure, then the container can be locked in the closed position, but the structure becomes difficult to clean and assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary element utilizes friction between its surface and the base element to maintain the closed position without requiring additional locking mechanisms, springs, or complex securing components. This self-inhibiting friction-based locking simplifies the overall mechanism while maintaining reliable closure security, making the system easier to clean and assemble.
3Ease of operation
If the closing element is arranged outside the through opening, then it is more accessible, but the closure becomes less mechanically stable and more exposed to external influences
Solution Approach 1:
The closing element is positioned within the through opening of the base element, creating a nested configuration where the closure mechanism is protected by the base structure. This arrangement shields the closing element from external influences while maintaining mechanical stability, and the through opening provides sufficient access for 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 closure system provides a simple, easy-to-clean, and assemble mechanism that ensures mechanical stability and a liquid-tight seal, with the self-inhibiting effect of the rotary element preventing snapping back and enhancing wear and service life.
Implementation Method 1
the rotary element can be held against the base element in a self-inhibiting manner in the closed state... a restoring force which acts on the rotary element in the opposite direction to the rotation is smaller than the resistance between the rotary element and the base element caused by the friction
Implementation Method 2
A movable region of the closing element is arranged between the first and second end of the closing element, respectively the movable region is delimited by the first and second end... the closure opening is closed when the rotary element is rotated by at least 180° relative to the base element... the closed closure opening is closed in a liquid-tight manner
Data Source
AI summary
A closure for a container is disclosed, including a ring-shaped base element extending around a longitudinal axis and including a first through opening, a ring-shaped rotary element, which can be operatively connected to the base element and can be rotated relative thereto about the longitudinal axis, and at least one closing element. The closing element comprises a first and a second end wherein the first end of the closing element being operatively connected to the base element and the second end of the closing element being operatively connected to the rotary element, and wherein the closing element at least partially closing a closure opening in a rotated state of the rotary element relative to the base element.