Three-Piece Squeeze-and-Turn Closure with Shroud for Efficient Filling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Container systems with squeeze-and-turn closures are not suitable for larger contents or volumes, as the opening size must accommodate a human hand while allowing efficient filling, posing a manufacturing challenge due to the need for various sizes and shapes of closures.

Innovation Solution

A three-piece container system comprising a container body, shroud, and closure, where the container body has a larger opening than the shroud, allowing efficient filling and using a squeeze-and-turn closure that can be operated by a user, with a shroud opening sized for a human hand and a closure that prevents rotation until a push pad is pressed inward.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the container opening is made larger to accommodate larger contents, then filling efficiency is improved, but the closure size must increase which makes it difficult for users to operate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilling efficiencyVSAvoidclosure operability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The closure system is divided into two distinct components: a shroud that attaches to the container body and provides a large opening for efficient filling, and a separate closure component that fits onto the shroud and provides user-operable controls. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the shroud for filling efficiency and the closure for ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shroud acts as an intermediary component between the container body and the closure. It provides a transition structure that allows the closure to be smaller and more operable while still enabling access to a larger container opening during the filling process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the closure size is increased to allow larger contents, then filling capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to needing various sizes and shapes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilling capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The shroud is designed as a universal component that can be attached to container bodies of various sizes and shapes. By making the shroud the adaptable element rather than the entire closure system, manufacturers can use standardized closure components across different product lines, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the opening size is constrained to accommodate hand operation, then closure operability is improved, but filling efficiency deteriorates for larger contents

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehand operabilityVSAvoidfilling efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides dynamic adaptability in opening size through the removable closure component. During filling operations, the closure can be removed or opened to provide a large opening for efficient loading of larger contents. During use, the closure is installed to provide a smaller, hand-operable opening, thus adapting the opening size to the operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10676257B2Container systems with a squeeze-and-turn closure

Publication Date: 2020.06.09 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

Container systems that include a squeeze-and-turn closure. Closure systems that include a squeeze-and-turn closure. Methods related to such systems.