Closure System With Segmented Collar Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure and container orientation systems require expensive specialized equipment and are not adaptable to various container shapes and materials, leading to inefficiencies in manufacturing and high product reject rates.
Innovation Solution
A closure and container combination featuring a container with circumferentially oriented flange segments and a closure with axially extending collar segments, including an engagement face for positive orientation, allowing for assembly without threads and efficient manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional orientation systems with threads and protuberances are used, then positive orientation is achieved, but expensive specialized automatic capping equipment is required and adaptability to various container shapes and materials is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The closure is divided into multiple collar segments (typically three) that can independently deflect and engage with corresponding flange segments on the container. This segmentation allows the closure to adapt to various container shapes and materials while using simple,通用 equipment without requiring complex specialized machinery.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar segments are designed with universal engagement features that can work with different container types, shapes, and materials. The same closure design can accommodate various container configurations through the flexible collar segments, eliminating the need for specialized equipment for different container varieties.
2Productivity
If conventional orientation systems are used, then positive orientation is achieved, but manufacturing efficiency is reduced and product reject rates increase
Solution Approach 1:
The collar segments automatically deflect and engage with the flange segments during the capping process, creating self-aligning and self-orienting features. This self-service mechanism ensures consistent orientation and engagement without requiring complex equipment control systems, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement faces on the collar segments are designed with specific geometric parameters and orientations that ensure consistent engagement with the flange segments. By optimizing these geometric parameters, the system achieves reliable positive orientation and consistent operating characteristics across high-volume production.
3Adaptability or versatility
If threads are used to attach closure to container, then secure attachment is achieved, but the ability to accommodate various container shapes and materials is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is segmented into multiple collar segments that can independently deflect and engage with flange segments. This segmentation provides both attachment strength through multiple engagement points and adaptability to various container shapes, replacing the need for threads while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar segments function as flexible structural elements that can deflect during engagement and then maintain a secure, rigid connection when engaged with the flange segments. This flexibility allows accommodation of various container shapes while providing strong attachment through the engaged collar-flange interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A positive orientation container and closure combination is provided. The container includes at least one flange segment having a front and a back face. The container further includes a gap defined by the front face of one of the flange segments and the back face of one of the flange segments. The closure includes a plurality of collar segments. The closure includes at least one collar segment having an engagement face to establish a positive orientation of the closure at a predetermined position.