Threadless Lug Cap with Angled Side Wall Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lug-type resealable closure systems for beverage containers fail to provide a reliable seal and are challenging to manufacture, as they often require expensive threading processes and materials, and previous solutions have not met the diverse needs of end users.
Innovation Solution
A cap design featuring a top panel with a circumferential side wall comprising segments extending at specific angles and curvatures, including a radially outward curl, and a threadless structure with mating lugs for engagement with a can end neck, utilizing a sealing material to enhance sealing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threading processes are used to create screw-on closures, then the closure provides a reliable seal, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the threading operation from the closure system by using a threadless lug-type closure. The closure cap engages with lugs protruding from the container neck through a simple press-fit mechanism, eliminating the complex threading process while maintaining sealing capability through the sealing compound and lug engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of forming threads on the container neck and matching threads on the cap, the patent inverts the approach by using protruding lugs on the container that engage with corresponding features on the cap. This reversal eliminates the need for threading operations while achieving secure engagement.
2Reliability
If traditional screw-top closures with long skirts are used, then the closure provides adequate sealing, but the material consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the closure by using a short-skirted design with lugs positioned near the top of the container neck. This reduces the vertical extent and material volume of the closure while maintaining sealing effectiveness through the sealing compound and lug engagement mechanism.
3Ease of manufacture
If lug-type closures with short skirts are used to reduce material, then manufacturing becomes easier, but sealing reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sealing compound as an intermediary element between the closure cap and the container opening. This sealing compound fills gaps and ensures reliable sealing despite the reduced skirt length and simplified lug-type engagement mechanism.
4Strength
If threaded closures are used to ensure secure engagement, then the closure remains firmly attached, but the manufacturing cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the threading operation from the manufacturing process, replacing it with a simple press-fit engagement of the closure cap with the container lugs. This extraction of the complex threading step significantly increases manufacturing speed while maintaining adequate engagement strength through the lug design and sealing compound.
Data Source
AI summary
A cap for sealing a container has a top panel and a circumferential side wall panel. The top panel is positioned about a longitudinal axis and extends radially outwardly therefrom. The circumferential side wall panel is integral with an outer peripheral edge of the top panel and has first second, and third segments. The first segment extends downwardly. The second segment extends radially outwardly at a first angle to the first segment. The third segment extends downwardly from the second segment at a second angle to the second segment. The cap has lug members for sealing the cap to a container having corresponding lugs.