Recyclable Closure With Tear-Off Overcap Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closures for containers are difficult to recycle and require substantial user effort for separation of components.
Innovation Solution
A closure design featuring a plug and overcap with a tear-off seal that allows easy separation of components, utilizing axial and rotational attachment members for secure attachment and release, enabling easy disassembly and recycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional closure designs are used, then the closure provides secure sealing and engagement, but the components become difficult to separate and recycle requiring substantial user effort
Solution Approach 1:
The closure is divided into distinct separable components: an inner body (plug) and an outer body (overcap), each capable of independent recycling. The inner body includes a release system with tear-off tabs that enable easy separation from the outer body, resolving the contradiction by making separation simple while maintaining secure engagement during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure design enables selective separation and recovery of individual components (inner body and outer body) for independent recycling. The release system allows users to discard the inner body separately from the outer body, facilitating material recovery and reducing the effort required compared to traditional integrated closures.
2Ease of manufacture
If integrated closure components are used, then the structure maintains simplicity, but recycling requires substantive separation operations
Solution Approach 1:
The closure structure is segmented into an inner body and outer body that can be easily separated through the release system. This segmentation maintains manufacturing simplicity while dramatically reducing the time and effort required for separation and recycling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The release system incorporates tear-off tabs and separation features that enable users to easily separate the components without requiring complex tools or substantial effort. The design serves the user's recycling needs through self-contained separation mechanisms built into the closure structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A closure (10) for a container (1) having a neck (2) with a pouring opening (4), comprising a plug (20) configured to engage within the neck to close the pouring opening, an overcap (30) attached to the plug (20), wherein the overcap (30) comprises a first part (40) removably attached to the plug (20), a second part (50) configured to be grasped for opening and closing the container, the second part (50) comprising a tear off seal (51) configured to pass from a first configuration to a second configuration wherein, in the first configuration, the second part (50) acts on the first part (20) to secure attachment of the first part (40) to the Plug (20) and, in the second configuration, the second part (50) is releasable from the first part (40) so that the first part (40) is separable from the plug (20).