Sterile Container Closure Using Toggle-Joint Clamping Lever
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closures for sterile containers face issues with wear and tear, complex handling, and reduced clamping force over time due to the use of spring-elastic elements, leading to potential leakage during sterilization.
Innovation Solution
A closure design featuring a clamping lever that pivots into an open position through a form-fitting connection with a closure flap, allowing for easy adjustment and engagement, eliminating the need for spring-elastic elements and ensuring a secure, low-wear operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If spring-elastic elements are used in the latching connection, then the closure can be automatically reset and maintained under tension, but the components are subject to increased wear and the spring forces weaken over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spring-elastic elements from the closure mechanism entirely. Instead of using springs to provide reset force and maintain tension, the invention uses a purely mechanical cam and latch system where the cam profile geometry provides the necessary forces for automatic resetting and maintaining clamping pressure without any elastic components that would wear or weaken over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces durable but complex spring mechanisms with simpler, wear-resistant mechanical components. The cam and latch are designed as robust elements that can withstand repeated use without degradation, effectively creating a maintenance-free system that eliminates the reliability issues associated with spring fatigue.
2Force
If the closure mechanism uses multiple components for latching, then the clamping force can be maintained, but the handling becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the cam component. The cam simultaneously provides the latching action, the reset force, and the clamping pressure maintenance through its integrated profile geometry. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components the user must manipulate while maintaining effective clamping force.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism serves multiple purposes: it acts as the latching element, provides the spring-like reset force through its profile, maintains continuous clamping pressure on the seal, and guides the closure flap movement. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall mechanism and improves ease of operation while maintaining strong clamping force.
3Manufacturing precision
If elastically deformable latching lugs are used, then manufacturing tolerances can be compensated, but the clamping force is determined by elastic resilience which may vary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter from elastic deformation to geometric constraint. Instead of relying on the elastic properties of deformable latching lugs, the invention uses the precise geometry of the cam profile to define and maintain the clamping force. The cam profile is designed with specific geometric parameters that ensure consistent clamping force regardless of manufacturing tolerances in other components.
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 provides simple and safe handling, high clamping forces to prevent leakage, and maintains consistent sealing without the risk of reduced clamping force over time, ensuring the container lid remains securely attached to the lower part.
Implementation Method 1
a closure flap (5) which can be rotated about a rotational axis (7)
Implementation Method 2
a clamping lever (2), which can be brought from a closed clamping position lying above the dead center to an open pivoting position, pivotable about a pivot axis (4)
Implementation Method 3
the clamping lever (2)... in its closed clamping position... lying above the dead center
Implementation Method 4
which in its closed position is in a form-fitting tensile connection with the clamping lever (2)
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The lock (1) comprises a toggle-joint type clamping lever (2), which is brought in an opened pivoting position around a pivoting axis (4) from a closed clamping position. A locking cap (5) is rotated around a rotational axis (7), where the clamping lever is brought in its opened position by rotating the locking cap from its closing position.