Threaded Closure Mechanism with Integrated Lid Retainer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers with threaded closure mechanisms do not maintain hermetic sealing when opened, leading to the separation of the lid from the closure mechanism and potential loss or breakage, especially when made of fragile materials like glass or ceramic.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a tubular skirt with a complementary non-circular geometry and a retainer element that keeps the closure mechanism attached to the lid, allowing joint rotation and preventing relative movement, thus breaking the vacuum and ensuring hermetic sealing is maintained during opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lid is separated from the closure mechanism after opening, then the closure mechanism can be removed from the receptacle, but the lid may be lost or broken especially when made of fragile materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lid and closure mechanism into a single integrated assembly where the lid is permanently attached to the closure mechanism. This is achieved through features such as ribs on the lid that engage with corresponding slots or grooves in the closure mechanism, ensuring they move together as one unit. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliability (lid retention) while still allowing easy removal of the combined assembly from the receptacle.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid is nested within or integrated into the closure mechanism structure. The closure mechanism encompasses the lid, with the lid's flange fitting into the closure mechanism's tubular skirt or housing. This nesting arrangement ensures the lid cannot separate from the closure mechanism during handling, preventing loss or damage of fragile lids while maintaining operational ease.
2Reliability
If the lid is held tightly against the receptacle mouth for hermetic sealing, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the lid cannot be removed from the receptacle
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the closure mechanism with threaded engagement for sealing, the lid for covering, and the receptacle. The closure mechanism's threaded skirt engages with the receptacle mouth to provide hermetic sealing, while the integrated lid-closure assembly can be easily removed by unscrewing the threaded connection. This segmentation allows the sealing function to be strong while the removal operation remains easy.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure mechanism transitions from a static tightly-sealed state to a dynamic removable state through threaded rotation. The threaded engagement allows the closure mechanism to be screwed onto the receptacle for tight sealing, then easily unscrewed for removal. This dynamic mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing both strong sealing when closed and easy removal when opening.
3Reliability
If the closure mechanism is designed to screw onto the receptacle thread for secure attachment, then hermetic closure is achieved, but the lid separates from the closure mechanism after opening
Solution Approach 1:
The lid and closure mechanism are merged into a single stable assembly through mechanical integration features. The lid's central rib or flange features engage with corresponding features in the closure mechanism, creating a stable connection that prevents separation. This merging maintains the hermetic closure reliability while ensuring the lid-closure assembly remains stable and connected throughout the opening and closing operations.
Data Source
AI summary
The container with a lid and threaded closure mechanism includes a receptacle having a mouth surrounded by a thread, a lid, a sealing ring and a closure mechanism formed by a disc with a hollow interior and a perimetral tubular skirt provided with an engagement configuration complementary to the thread of the receptacle. The closure mechanism surrounds the lid and holds it against the mouth of the receptacle by means of a threaded attachment between the engagement configuration of the closure mechanism and the thread of the receptacle, assuring proper hermetic closure of the lid with the receptacle in cooperation with the sealing ring. The lid and the closure mechanism have mutually engaging elements with a complementary non-circular geometry and size, with both elements being tightly fitted preventing relative rotation of the closure mechanism with respect to the lid.