Tube Head Angular Indexing for Precise Sleeve Orientation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tube designs require multiple separate components for proper orientation and positioning of the sleeve relative to the tube head, leading to increased plastic usage and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A tube head with a single projecting or recessed mark for angular indexing, allowing unique identification of the angular position, which is integrated into a monolithic structure for simplified orientation and reduced component count.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If multiple separate components (tabs on tube head and cap) are used for positioning and orientation, then the cap can be positioned appropriately with respect to the sleeve decoration and longitudinal weld, but the number of separate components and plastic usage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidcomponent count

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the positioning tab and angular indexing mark into a single integrated feature on the tube head. The angular indexing mark is directly formed on the tube head's outer diameter, eliminating the need for separate positioning tabs on both the tube head and cap. This consolidation reduces the number of components while maintaining the precision needed for proper sleeve orientation during assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple separate components are used for orientation, then the cap can be positioned appropriately, but plastic usage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorientation accuracyVSAvoidplastic usage

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines multiple orientation and positioning features into a single integrated angular indexing mark on the tube head. This eliminates the need for multiple separate plastic components, thereby reducing overall plastic consumption while maintaining the accuracy required for proper sleeve decoration and weld orientation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a single mark is used for angular indexing, then the structure is simplified and plastic usage is reduced, but the ability to position the cap may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidpositioning capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The single angular indexing mark on the tube head serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides angular positioning reference for sleeve orientation, enables proper cap alignment, and facilitates ergonomic finger grip placement. This multi-functional design maintains positioning precision while simplifying the overall structure and reducing component count.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250376300A1Tube head and tube comprising said tube head

Publication Date: 2025.12.11 ALBEA SERVICES SAS

AI summary

A head for manufacturing a flexible tube having a main axis is configured to contain a liquid or pasty product. The head includes an upper wall and an annular side wall, a free lower end edge of which defines a reference plane (A). The head includes a dispensing orifice. The lower end edge includes a projecting or recessed mark for angular indexing about the axis (X), a portion of which is axially offset relative to the plane.