Tube Closure System with Integrated Punch and Cap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tube closure systems require multiple steps and additional parts to maintain the punch remote from the operculum before first use, complicating the sealing process and confusing users about the need to pierce the operculum.
Innovation Solution
A tube closure system where the plug is configured to maintain a waiting position without additional parts, using a continuous neck and shoulder design with locking mechanisms to keep the punch remote from the operculum until the user initiates piercing, eliminating the need for a spacing ring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ring is placed between the cap and the shoulder of the tube neck to keep the punch away from the seal, then the seal is protected before first use, but the number of steps becomes cumbersome and the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the additional ring component from the assembly, extracting the unnecessary element that caused complexity. The punch is kept away from the seal through the natural geometry of the cap and neck structure alone, eliminating the need for the spacer ring while maintaining seal protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The functional elements are merged into a unified structure where the cap, punch, and neck work together as an integrated system. The cap's internal geometry and the neck's configuration collectively maintain the punch-seal distance, combining multiple functions into a single cohesive assembly without requiring separate components.
2Reliability
If a ring is used to keep the punch away from the seal, then the seal remains intact during storage, but the user experience deteriorates due to multiple steps and confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the seal protection function automatically through its inherent structural design. The cap and neck geometry self-regulate to keep the punch away from the seal during storage, eliminating the need for user intervention or understanding of complex mechanisms. The user simply attaches the cap and the system handles the rest.
3Reliability
If additional locking means are added to hold the cap in the waiting position, then the punch remains remote from the operculum, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged with the cap's attachment mechanism to the neck. The same structural features that secure the cap to the neck also maintain the punch in the correct position relative to the seal, combining multiple functions into a single integrated mechanism without adding separate locking components.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an assembly (1) for closing a tube (3), said assembly (1) comprising: - a tube head (5) including a neck (7) and a cap (15) sealing said neck (7), - a cap (9) including a punch (17) adapted for cutting said cap (15), said neck (7) and said cap (9) being configured to keep said cap (9) fixed to said neck (7) in a first position, called the standby position, in which the punch (17) is held away from the cap (15), and in a second position, called the operating position, in which said punch (17) pierces said cap (15). The invention also relates to a tube (3) comprising such an assembly and the cap (9) of said assembly (1) or of said tube (3).