Spring-Loaded Container Closure for Leak-Resistant Applicator Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure systems for containers of care products, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and adhesives expose the contents to drying out, gas loss, or leakage when the container is opened, especially when accidentally tipped over.
Innovation Solution
A closing unit with a spring mechanism and rotatable closing element, connected by a gear mechanism, allows the container to be independently attached to a bottle neck, featuring a pushable button that controls access to the container's interior through a through hole or slot, ensuring the container remains sealed when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the container is opened for applicator extraction, then the applicator can be removed and used, but the mass inside the container is exposed to drying out, gas loss, and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The closing element is pre-positioned to block the access opening before applicator extraction. The gear mechanism is pre-configured to automatically rotate the closing element to a closed position when the pushable button is released, preventing mass exposure before the user even finishes extracting the applicator.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing element acts as an intermediary component between the container interior and exterior. It selectively blocks or allows access to the mass based on its rotational position, mediating between the need for applicator extraction and the need to protect the mass from harmful environmental factors.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the container remains closed during applicator extraction, then the mass is protected, but the applicator cannot be extracted from the container
Solution Approach 1:
The closing element transitions from a static closed position to a dynamic open position during applicator extraction. The gear mechanism enables this dynamic behavior by converting the linear motion of the pushable button into rotational motion of the closing element, temporarily opening the access opening only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing element alternates between closed and open positions in a periodic manner: closed during storage and non-use, open during applicator extraction and application. This periodic opening and closing protects the mass while allowing necessary operations.
3Ease of manufacture
If a traditional closure cap is used, then the container can be closed, but the container remains vulnerable when tipped over or accidentally dropped
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is segmented into functionally independent components: the closing element that blocks access, the pushable button for control, the spring mechanism for automatic resetting, and the gear mechanism for motion transmission. This segmentation allows the closing element to maintain its protective function even when the container is tipped or dropped.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism provides self-service by automatically returning the pushable button and closing element to their closed, protective positions after applicator extraction or if the container is accidentally tipped over. The system self-corrects without requiring user intervention, maintaining continuous protection of the mass.
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 solution effectively protects the contents from exposure by maintaining a sealed state unless actively accessed, preventing drying, gas loss, and leakage, while allowing easy applicator extraction and resealing.
Implementation Method 1
a spring mechanism (3) biasing a pushable button (4)
Data Source
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AI summary
A closing unit for a container comprising a spring mechanism biasing a pushable button that is movable between a first and a second position at least, and comprising a rotatable closing element crossed by a through hole or a through slot and comprising a gear mechanism interconnecting the closing element and the pushable button that way, that the pushable button - when being in its first position - rotates the closing element in its position closing the container and when being in its second position, rotates the closing element in a position in which the through hole or the through slot gives access to the interior of the container from outside.