Tethered Outlet Closure With Hidden Strap for First-Use Indication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plastic closures for container nozzles lack safety features to prevent swallowing, provide a clear first-use indication, and maintain a clean, non-protruding design.
Innovation Solution
A plastic closure with a retaining strap securely held by an outer shell that indicates first use and is aesthetically pleasing, featuring a freely rotating retaining ring and tearable connections to minimize strap length and visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a retaining strap is used to connect the cap to the outlet nozzle, then the cap is securely held against loss and first-use indication is provided, but the retaining strap protrudes and creates an unaesthetically pleasing appearance when closed
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining strap is nested within a groove formed in the outer shell of the cap. When the cap is closed, the strap lies flush within the groove, making it invisible and creating a smooth exterior surface. The groove acts as a receptacle that contains the strap, allowing the cap to maintain both security functionality and aesthetic appearance simultaneously.
2Reliability
If the retaining strap is made long enough to securely hold the cap, then the cap cannot be lost, but the strap becomes visible and protruding when closed
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining strap is nested within a groove formed in the outer shell of the cap. When the cap is closed, the strap lies flush within the groove, making it invisible and creating a smooth exterior surface. The groove acts as a receptacle that contains the strap, allowing the cap to maintain both security functionality and aesthetic appearance simultaneously.
3Ease of operation
If the cap is designed to be easily opened, then user convenience is improved, but the cap can be accidentally opened or swallowed more easily
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining strap is pre-attached to the outlet nozzle before the cap is put on. This preliminary attachment creates a physical barrier that prevents the cap from being completely removed or accidentally swallowed. The strap acts as a pre-installed safety mechanism that requires deliberate action to overcome, while still allowing intentional opening by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining strap provides a preliminary counter-force against accidental opening or swallowing. The strap must be deliberately broken or cut to release the cap, creating a preliminary obstacle that prevents unintentional removal while allowing intentional opening when needed.
4Loss of information
If the retaining strap is made visible to indicate first use, then warranty technology is provided, but the design becomes less aesthetically pleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining strap can be made with different colors or materials that provide visual indication of first use. When intact, the strap shows one appearance; when broken or cut, it shows a different appearance, providing the warranty indication without permanently altering the aesthetic appearance when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining strap is nested within a groove formed in the outer shell of the cap. When the cap is closed, the strap lies flush within the groove, making it invisible and creating a smooth exterior surface. The groove acts as a receptacle that contains the strap, allowing the cap to maintain both security functionality and aesthetic appearance simultaneously.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a plastic closure of a tubular outlet fitting of a container with a closure cap which is releasably secured to the fitting. The cap is permanently connected to the fitting via at least one retaining strap, and the closure cap is surrounded by an outer shell at a distance therefrom, said outer shell being formed integrally with the closure cap via connection parts. When the closure cap is closed, at least one region of the retaining strap is arranged on the interior of the outer wall of the outer shell or on the exterior of the outer wall of the outer shell or rests in a recess or groove, which opens outwardly, of the outer wall of the outer shell.