Rotatable Stripping Closure for Viscous Material Mixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Viscous materials in packages often require direct stirring, but the mixing element tends to stick to the package opening, making it cumbersome and time-consuming to remove residue, leading to material loss when withdrawn.

Innovation Solution

A closure apparatus with a rotatable material stripping element that accommodates the insertion and withdrawal of a mixing element, allowing for efficient removal of residue and preventing material escape by rotating and stripping off adhered material during withdrawal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a mixing element is inserted into the package to mix viscous material, then the material can be effectively mixed, but the mixing element sticks to the package opening making removal cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of mixing element removalVSAvoidtime required to remove mixing element and clean package opening

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The closure apparatus is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after a single use. The closure body with integrated stripping surface is thrown away after one mixing operation, eliminating the need to clean the package opening. This resolves the contradiction by making the removal process instantaneous (just discarding the closure) rather than requiring time-consuming cleaning operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The stripping function is extracted from the mixing element itself and transferred to a separate closure apparatus. The closure body with its integrated stripping surface performs the removal function independently, allowing the mixing element to be simple and effective for mixing while the closure handles the residue removal task.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If the mixing element is withdrawn from the package, then the mixing operation is complete, but material residue escapes the vessel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of material lossVSAvoidmaterial residue loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The closure apparatus serves as an intermediary between the mixing element and the package opening. It provides a controlled interface that captures residue on its stripping surface during withdrawal, preventing direct contact between the mixing element and the package opening, thus eliminating material loss through escape or contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful effect of sticky residue adhering to the mixing element is converted into a beneficial stripping action. The closure's stripping surface, designed to contact the residue, transforms the problematic adhesion into a useful removal mechanism that captures and retains material within the closure apparatus rather than allowing escape.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If a closure apparatus is used to cover the package opening, then material escape is prevented, but the closure must accommodate insertion and withdrawal of mixing elements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidclosure structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closure apparatus merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: sealing the package opening, providing a stripping surface for residue removal, and accommodating mixing element insertion and withdrawal. This consolidation resolves the contradiction by eliminating the need for separate sealing mechanisms and stripping components, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The closure apparatus is designed as a multi-functional component that performs sealing, stripping, and mixing element accommodation simultaneously. This universal design allows a single closure body to handle multiple operations without requiring additional specialized components, thereby maintaining simplicity while achieving reliable material containment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9637289B1Package closure with rotatable material stripping element

Publication Date: 2017.05.02 GALOMB

AI summary

A package closure embodying a rotatable material stripping element provides a means to close off the package opening and comprises a material stripping element that accommodates the insertion and withdrawal of an external mixing element with a predetermined close fit. Whereas, the said mixing element may be inserted through the closure and into the vessel to mix material contained therein, and after the mixing operation is complete, the material stripping element strips off substantially whatever material residue is sticking to the mixing element as it being withdrawn from the vessel and the closure, thus preventing it from escaping the vessel.