Aseptic Closing Device Co-Injected Nucleus Tab

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing closing devices for aseptic containers are prone to accidental openings and contamination due to unintentional punctures, which compromise aseptic conditions and expose the nucleus to external elements.

Innovation Solution

A closing device with a co-injection process that combines a rigid external shell and an elastic nucleus, featuring a weakened connection area and a protruding element to facilitate controlled opening while maintaining aseptic integrity, using thermoplastic materials to ensure a watertight seal and protect the nucleus from external exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a hole is added to the external shell for accessibility, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability is worsened due to risk of contamination and accidental punches

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of the nucleusVSAvoidprotection from contamination and accidental punches

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A tab made of second material is introduced as an intermediary element that covers the hole in the external shell. This tab allows controlled access to the nucleus while protecting it from accidental punches and contamination. The tab acts as a mediator between the external environment and the nucleus, enabling intentional access while maintaining protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The tab is pre-positioned to cover the hole before use. This preliminary action ensures that the hole is protected from the outset, preventing accidental contamination and unintended access. The tab is already in place to guard the nucleus, and only removes coverage when intentionally activated by the operator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a tab is added to protect the hole, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from accidental openingsVSAvoidstructure of the closing device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tab is merged with the nucleus during the co-injection process. The first material forming the external shell and the second material forming the nucleus are injected simultaneously, with the tab being formed as part of the nucleus structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate assembly steps and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the protective function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The closing device utilizes composite materials with different properties: the external shell is made of a first material (e.g., rigid plastic) and the nucleus with tab is made of a second material (e.g., elastic material). This composite structure allows the tab to be integrated into the nucleus while providing the necessary protection and ease of removal characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Manufacturing precision

If co-injection of two materials is used, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration of shell and nucleusVSAvoidco-injection process

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The co-injection process merges the formation of the external shell and the nucleus with tab into a single manufacturing step. Both the first material and second material are injected simultaneously into the same mold cavity, creating an integrated structure with precise interfaces between materials. This merging achieves high manufacturing precision while the patent acknowledges the process complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The solution provides aseptic containers with enhanced safety against accidental openings and reduced contamination risk, ensuring hygienic conditions and cost-effective production while maintaining ease of use.

Implementation Method 1

using thermoplastic materials to ensure a watertight seal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal heating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

A closing device with a co-injection process that combines a rigid external shell and an elastic nucleus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInjection molding:

Data Source

PatentEP3585349B1Process for realising a closing devicewatertight, closing device, container equipped with a closing device

Publication Date: 2025.12.03 BREVETTI ANGELA SRL

Figure 1~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a watertight closing device (100, 200) for an aseptic container, comprising an external shell (10, 210) made up of a first protecting material, a nucleus (20, 220) made up of a second material suitable for being punched, and a tab (1 1, 21 1 ) equipped with a first free end (12, 212) and with a second end (13, 213) connected to the shell (10, 210). The nucleus (20, 220) has a protruding element (21, 221 ) placed in correspondence with the connection area (14, 214), so that the protruding element (21, 221 ) is directly connected to the second end (13, 213) of the tab (1 1, 21 1 ).