Tethered Container Closure With Torsion-Spring Open Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure devices for containers lack a mechanism to maintain the open position securely after opening, and there is a need for tethering solutions that comply with environmental regulations.
Innovation Solution
A closure device with a cap body, tamper evidence band, and leashes that allow the cap to be retained in an open position through a torsion spring mechanism, using leashes to exert a force against the container neck.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cap body is allowed to be removed from the container neck, then ease of operation is improved, but the cap body cannot be retained in the open position
Solution Approach 1:
The leash acts as an intermediary element connecting the cap body to the container neck. When the cap is removed from the neck, the leash remains attached to both the cap body and the container, serving as a mediator that prevents complete separation while allowing the cap to be taken off for access.
Solution Approach 2:
The leash automatically performs the function of retaining the cap in the open position without requiring additional mechanisms or user intervention. The leash's attachment to both the cap body and container neck creates a self-sustaining open position retention system.
2Reliability
If the cap body is tethered to the container, then environmental compliance is improved, but the cap body cannot be fully removed for access
Solution Approach 1:
The tethering system is segmented into two distinct attachment points: one on the cap body and one on the container neck. This segmentation allows the cap to be partially removed from the container for access while maintaining the tethered connection, separating the functions of sealing and tethering.
Solution Approach 2:
The leash provides dynamic flexibility, allowing the cap body to move between different positions (attached, partially removed, fully removed) while maintaining the tethered connection. This dynamic capability enables both environmental compliance and convenient access.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a torsion spring mechanism is used to retain the cap in open position, then open position stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The leash itself serves as the torsion spring mechanism, utilizing its own elastic properties to provide the restoring force that maintains the cap in the open position. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate spring components or complex mechanical assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The leash's physical parameters (elasticity, torsion characteristics) are optimized to provide sufficient restoring force for open position retention. By changing the material and dimensional parameters of the leash, the desired stability is achieved without adding mechanical complexity.
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 device securely maintains the cap in an open position and remains attached to the container, ensuring easy access and compliance with environmental regulations.
Implementation Method 1
When the cap body is actuated to a fully open position the first leash and the second leash act as a torsion spring such that the tongue exerts a force against the neck of the container for retaining the cap body in the fully open position
Data Source
AI summary
A closure device for a container that defines a neck and an annular flange. The closure device comprises a cap body, a tamper evidence (TE) band positioned below the annular flange, a tongue that extends from the cap body towards the tamper evidence band and first and second leashes positioned on either side of the tongue. The first and second leashes connect the cap body to the tamper evidence (TE) band, and allow the cap body to be removed from the neck of the container while remaining attached to the tamper evidence (TE) band. When the cap body is actuated to a fully open position the first and second leashes act as a torsion spring for causing the tongue to exert a force against the neck of the container for retaining the cap body in the fully open position.