Tube Closure Assembly with Notch Locking and Sequential Seal Piercing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tube closure systems require multiple steps and high torque for sealing, are prone to manufacturing inconsistencies, and can damage non-return stops, leading to incomplete seal perforation and reduced product flow.
Innovation Solution
A tube closure assembly with a cap and neck design that guides the cap to a closing position using a notch and protrusion system, avoiding contact with the thread, ensuring reliable locking and minimizing torque, and allowing for sequential sealing and product access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a non-return stop is located in the thread to guide the cap onto the neck, then the cap can be blocked in the closed position, but the thread is damaged and additional torque is required
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking function is segmented from the guiding function. The protrusion (non-return stop) is separated from the thread structure, allowing the thread to guide the cap without damage while the protrusion provides blocking capability independently
Solution Approach 2:
The non-return stop (protrusion) is extracted from the thread structure and positioned separately. This allows the thread to perform its guiding function without the damaging effect of the stop, while the protrusion provides the blocking function at a different location
2Reliability
If high torque is applied to pierce the seal and compress the gasket simultaneously, then the sealing function is achieved, but user discomfort occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing process is segmented into two phases: first piercing the seal, then compressing the gasket. This sequential action reduces the peak torque required compared to simultaneous compression, improving user comfort while maintaining sealing effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The seal is pierced before the gasket compression begins. This preliminary action creates a pathway that reduces the resistance during subsequent gasket compression, lowering the overall torque requirement and improving ease of operation
3Productivity
If manufacturing processes operate at very high speed, then productivity is improved, but positioning reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cap's own geometry (protrusion and notch) creates the positioning and locking function automatically during the high-speed capping process. The system uses its inherent structure rather than external fixtures or complex mechanisms, maintaining reliability at high speeds
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly for closing a tube, said assembly comprising a tube head (3) that has a neck (10) and a closing cover (5) for closing said neck (10), the assembly further comprising a cap (30) which comprises a piercing element (7) designed to perforate said closing cover (5), the neck (10) and cap (30) being configured such that the cap (30) is guided into a closed position in which said piercing element (7) has perforated the closing cover (5), said cap comprising a lateral skirt (23) which comprises at least one radially opening slot (60), wherein the neck has a protuberance (61) configured to cooperate angularly with said slot (60) in order to prevent the cap (30) from being removed once the cap (30) is in said closed position.