Segmented Snap-Action Lid Connection for Pressure-Resistant Beverage Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plastic containers and lids for carbonated beverages face challenges in achieving a safe, pressure-resistant, and easy-to-assemble connection that is uniform across different shapes, while also being cost-effective and environmentally friendly for recycling purposes.
Innovation Solution
A snap-action non-separable connection using snap-action profiles on the container and lid, where the container's top part is segmented with snap protrusions and the lid has corresponding slots, allowing for interlocking without contacting each other, and featuring a socket for the container flange and a bearing ledge for additional stability, all achievable through standard thermoplastic molding processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a uniform connection structure is used for different container shapes, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to the need for segmented profiles
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is divided into multiple segments that can be formed on the container opening. Each segment includes snap protrusions that interlock with corresponding slots in the lid, allowing the same segmented connection design to adapt to various container shapes while maintaining structural integrity and pressure resistance.
2Reliability
If complicated formation processes are used to ensure tightness and pressure resistance, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The snap-action profiles and segmented connection structures are pre-formed during the thermoplastic molding process of the container and lid. This preliminary formation eliminates the need for separate complex assembly operations, reducing manufacturing steps while ensuring the connection structure is ready to provide tightness and pressure resistance from the start.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented connection structure with snap protrusions and slots is designed to automatically interlock when the lid is placed on the container. The snap-action mechanism self-secures the connection without requiring additional fastening operations, threads, or complex assembly tools, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining reliability.
3Ease of operation
If threaded connections are eliminated for easier assembly, then ease of operation is improved, but connection strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The snap protrusions are designed with curved surfaces that engage with the slots in the lid, creating a snap-action interlocking mechanism. This curved geometry provides mechanical strength comparable to threaded connections while allowing for much simpler assembly, as the lid simply needs to be placed on the container for the snap profiles to automatically engage and secure the connection.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4A
Figure 4B~5
AI summary
A snap-action non-separable connection between the lid and container, incorporating snap-action profiles formed in the top part of the container around the opening for filling the container, and snap-action profiles formed in the lid, where the said profiles interlock, is characterised in that the snap-action profiles in the top part (8) of the container (6) are formed on the front surface (8 a) of that part into segments (9) which do not contact one another, where formed on the side surface (9a) of each segment is at least one snap protrusion (10), and where in the top part (la) of the lid (1) are slots (2) on the side surface (2a) of which formed is at least one snap ledge (4), and where the number of the slots (2) in the lid (1) is equal to the number of the said segments (9) formed around the opening (7) of the container, where the said segments (9) fit into the said slots (2) in the lid (1) so that resting on the said snap ledges (4) in the slots (2) in the lid are the said snap protrusions (10) of the segments (9), and the top parts of the segments (9) above the snap protrusion (10) contact tightly the slots (2) in the lid (1), and the bottom surface of the lid (1) contacts the front surface (8a) of the top part (8) of the container (6).