Spout Cap with Elastic Ridge for Oxygen Barrier and Residue Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pouches with spouts face challenges in preventing oxygen contact with the product, leading to oxidation and spoilage, especially in pre-made pouches where the cap is applied after filling, despite existing solutions like elongated tubular elements in caps.
Innovation Solution
A cap design featuring an annular closure body with a tubular extension and an elastically yielding annular ridge or tang that penetrates the spout tube, preventing oxygen entry and removing product residues, made from a single piece of plastic material like polyethylene or polypropylene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an elongated tubular element is added to the cap to close the spout tube, then oxygen barrier performance is improved, but product residues remain on the spout inner surface causing oxidation
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is designed to perform preliminary cleaning action by removing product residues from the spout inner surface before sealing. The tang element scrapes the inner surface during cap application, preventing subsequent oxidation of residues even when the tubular element provides the oxygen barrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The tang acts as an intermediary element between the cap and spout inner surface, facilitating the removal of product residues. This intermediary mechanism addresses the harmful effect of residues while the tubular element addresses the oxygen barrier requirement simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cap is applied after filling in pre-made pouches, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but product residues are left on the spout inner surface
Solution Approach 1:
The cap performs preliminary cleaning action during its application process. The tang element scrapes the spout inner surface as the cap is screwed on, removing residues that would otherwise remain after filling. This allows post-filling cap application while still eliminating the harmful residue effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap serves dual functions: sealing the spout and cleaning its inner surface. The cleaning action is self-performed during normal cap application without requiring separate cleaning equipment or steps, maintaining manufacturing flexibility while removing residues.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single-piece plastic cap is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but effective removal of product residues requires additional structural features
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is segmented into functional zones within a single-piece structure. The tang element is integrated as part of the cap body but performs a distinct cleaning function separate from the sealing function. This segmentation allows effective residue removal while maintaining single-piece manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning function is merged into the cap structure through the integrated tang element. Instead of separate cleaning and sealing operations, both functions are combined in a single cap component that performs residue removal during normal sealing 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
Effectively prevents oxygen from entering the pouch, eliminating product residues and reducing bacterial outbreaks, thereby extending the shelf-life of perishable products.
Implementation Method 1
a cap (4) for a spout (2), comprising: a closure body (10) and an extension (20) coaxial to a main axis (X), the extension (20) comprising an annular side wall (21) extending axially and having externally a frustoconical shape, an elastically yielding annular ridge (30) protruding radially from the outer surface of the side wall (21)
Data Source
AI summary
A cap for a spout of a flexible thin-walled packaging is provided. The cap has a closure body having an annular closure wall extending along a main axis between a lower end and an upper end. An extension ending with a base is placed at a predefined height below the lower end of the annular closure wall. A scraper element is arranged along the extension to remove any residue of product in the spout.