Tethered Container Cap Thread Alignment for Easy Reclosure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container caps with a circumferentially extending separating line complicate the process of transitioning between open and closed conditions, often leading to the closing element being accidentally discarded separately from the retaining ring, and require complex alignment for reclosure.
Innovation Solution
A cap design with a circumferentially interrupted separating line and a joining zone that allows the closing element to remain connected to the retaining ring, featuring a median line positioned diametrically opposed to the inner thread start, facilitating easy movement between open and closed positions without axial interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the separating line extends circumferentially for the entire lateral wall, then the closing element can completely detach from the retaining ring, but the closing element may be accidentally discarded separately from the container
Solution Approach 1:
The separating line is segmented rather than continuous, creating an interrupted pattern that allows partial detachment. This segmentation enables the closing element to separate sufficiently for opening while maintaining connection through the joining zone, preventing complete detachment and accidental loss.
2Reliability
If the separating line is circumferentially interrupted to leave the closing element joined to the retaining ring, then the closing element remains connected after opening, but the user must perform complex alignment operations to reclose the container
Solution Approach 1:
The median line of the joining zone is pre-positioned diametrically opposed to the start of the inner thread during manufacturing. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the closing element is pulled axially during reclosure, it automatically aligns with the thread without requiring complex manual manipulation, simplifying the reclosure operation.
3Reliability
If the joining zone applies axial traction on the closing element, then the closing element remains connected to the retaining ring, but it becomes difficult for the user to couple the thread of the closing element with the thread of the neck
Solution Approach 1:
The geometric relationship between the median line of the joining zone and the inner thread start is pre-established during cap manufacturing, with the median line positioned diametrically opposed to the thread start. This preliminary geometric configuration ensures that axial movement automatically provides proper alignment, eliminating the difficulty of manual thread coupling despite the presence of axial traction.
Data Source
AI summary
A closing cap for a container having a lateral wall and a transversal wall positioned at one end of the lateral wall, a separating line being provided on the lateral wall to define a retaining ring that is configured to internally engage with a stop ring of a neck of the container as to remain anchored to the neck, and a closing element removably engageable with the neck, so as to open or close the container. The separating line is circumferentially interrupted to define in the lateral wall a joining zone in which the retaining ring and the closing element are joined. The cap additionally includes an inner thread structure positioned on the inside of the lateral wall for engaging with an outer thread structure of the neck and removably coupling the closing element to the neck of the container.