Tethered Container Closure Ring for Side-Parked Open Caps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tethered closure systems for containers, such as bottles or flasks, suffer from the plug obstructing the user during use and tending to move back into the container mouth, requiring manual holding, while also failing to address environmental concerns of plastic dispersion.
Innovation Solution
A closure element with a deformable ring and a deformable ring and a container with a deformable ring and a container with a deformable ring and a deformable ring and a deformable ring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the plug is tethered to the container using known connecting elements, then the plug remains attached to the container when open, but the plug obstructs the user and requires manual holding during use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the plug laterally away from the container mouth in the horizontal dimension when open, rather than keeping it vertically aligned with the mouth. The arcuate slot allows the plug to move laterally to a parking position beside the container, eliminating obstruction to the user while maintaining attachment through the tether.
Solution Approach 2:
The arcuate slot acts as an intermediary mechanism between the plug and container. It provides a guided path that allows the plug to move away from the mouth while remaining connected, mediating the transition from closed to open position without direct user manipulation of the plug itself.
2Ease of operation
If the plug is allowed to move freely when open, then user access is improved, but the plug tends to move back into the container mouth covering it
Solution Approach 1:
The arcuate slot is pre-configured with a specific geometry that guides the plug to a predetermined parking position when open. The slot's curvature and dimensions are designed in advance to automatically position the plug laterally away from the mouth, preventing it from moving back into the opening without requiring active user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug automatically positions itself laterally away from the container mouth through the mechanical guidance of the arcuate slot during the opening motion. The system is self-regulating, using the slot's geometry to maintain the plug in the correct position without requiring continuous user attention or adjustment.
3Strength
If a rigid connecting element is used between plug and container, then structural strength is improved, but the opening mechanism becomes complex and requires frangible elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible tether with an arcuate slot instead of a rigid connecting element. The tether's flexibility allows it to bend and guide the plug through the opening motion, while the arcuate slot provides structural guidance. This eliminates the need for complex frangible break elements, simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining sufficient strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element transitions from a rigid structure to a flexible tether with a specific geometric configuration (arcuate slot). This parameter change in flexibility and geometry allows the mechanism to achieve both strength and simplicity, as the flexible tether can accommodate the motion requirements without requiring additional complex 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 is a deformable ring and a deformable ring and a deformable ring and a deformable ring and a deformable ring.
Implementation Method 1
The security ring 2 is made of an at least partially deformable material
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A tethered closure element (100) for container (200) is described, comprising a plug (1) comprising a substantially cylindrical threaded inner wall (110), configured to couple with an externally threaded neck (201) of a container (200); the plug (1) is configured to switch between a closure configuration, in which it is coupled to the neck (201) of the container (200), and an open configuration, in which it is uncoupled from the neck (201) while remaining tethered to the neck (201); a security ring (2) configured to fit around the neck (201); the security ring (2) comprises a first band (21) spaced from the plug (1), defining a first slot (3); the first band (21) extends along a circumferential extension direction (K) for a first circumferential arc defined by a first end (211) and a second end (212); in the closure configuration, the first end (211) and the second end (212) are adjacent to and separated from each other, forming a gap (4); the first band (21) is connected to the plug (1) by a first joining section (5) placed at the first end (211); a second band (22) spaced from the first band (21), defining a second slot (6); the second band (22) extends along a circumferential extension direction (K'); the second band (22) is shaped to be retained below a lip (202) of the neck (201) of the container (200); the first band (21) is connected to the second band (22) by a second joining section (7) placed at the second end (212); the first band (21) is configured to be partially separated from the neck (201) when the plug (1) is in the open configuration.