Aerosol Crimp Ring Venting for Controlled Overpressure Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aerosol dispensers made from plastic are susceptible to overpressurization and deformation at elevated temperatures, leading to potential rupture and premature loss of propellant and product, which existing solutions fail to adequately address.

Innovation Solution

The aerosol container design features a crimp ring with strategically positioned vents and annular beads, allowing for controlled release of pressure and maintaining a robust seal, even at elevated temperatures, through the use of injection molded circumferentially spaced vents and a gasket with specific thickness and hardness for safe degassing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If plastic components are used in aerosol dispensers, then manufacturing cost is reduced and recyclability is improved, but the dispenser becomes susceptible to overpressurization and deformation at elevated temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidtemperature resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a pressure relief valve and vent holes in the crimp ring structure before overpressurization occurs. These features are pre-designed to activate at specific pressure thresholds, preventing catastrophic failure of the plastic dispenser when exposed to elevated temperatures during shipping or storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the physical parameters of the crimp ring by incorporating vent holes and pressure relief mechanisms that change the pressure containment characteristics. This allows the plastic structure to safely release pressure at controlled rates, transforming the material's vulnerability into a manageable design feature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the crimp ring structure is simplified, then device complexity is reduced, but the seal robustness at elevated temperatures deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrimp ring structureVSAvoidseal robustness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The crimp ring is segmented to include distinct functional zones: sealing beads for maintaining the seal, vent holes for pressure relief, and reinforcement ribs for structural integrity. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function independently, achieving robust sealing without excessive overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality enhancements to specific areas of the crimp ring. Sealing beads are positioned at critical sealing interfaces, while vent holes are strategically located to release pressure from specific zones. This localized optimization provides enhanced seal robustness where needed without complicating the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If vent holes are added to the crimp ring, then pressure control is improved, but the structural strength is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure controlVSAvoidcrimp ring strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The crimp ring employs composite construction combining plastic material with integrated reinforcement features. The plastic provides corrosion resistance and manufacturability, while molded-in reinforcement ribs and strategic wall thickness variations compensate for the strength loss from vent holes, achieving both pressure control and structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes curved and rounded features in the crimp ring design, such as arched reinforcement ribs and smoothly contoured sealing surfaces. These curved structures distribute stress more effectively around vent hole openings, preventing stress concentration that would otherwise weaken the crimp ring structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This design effectively prevents rupture and ensures safe depressurization at excessive temperatures, maintaining the seal and allowing for controlled release of propellant and product, thereby extending the usability of the dispenser.

Implementation Method 1

a gasket disposed between the valve cup and the crimp ring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

strategically positioned vents and annular beads, allowing for controlled release of pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS10961043B1Aerosol container with spaced sealing beads

Publication Date: 2021.03.30 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

An aerosol dispenser, an outer container for an aerosol dispenser, and a preform for an outer container. The aerosol dispenser, outer container, and preform each have a neck including a crimp ring. The crimp ring may be configured to receive a valve cup, which is clinched thereto. The crimp ring includes one or more vents. The vents may be used to control overpressurization within the dispenser. The vents may be exposed to pressurized propellant and product due to deformation of the neck during undue overpressurization. The vents allow propellant and/or product to be released therethrough in the event of overpressurization.