Blow-Molded Container Compression Venting for High-Temperature Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blow-molded plastic containers for food packaging lack effective venting mechanisms, particularly for high fill temperatures and pasteurization processes, which can lead to pressure buildup and safety issues during filling and storage.
Innovation Solution
The development of a blow-molded container with a neck finish and transverse rim that includes external projections and reliefs, allowing the rim to move between configurations to define vents for gas passage, facilitated by a closure that deforms the sealing surface when tightened, creating a compression vent for gas release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the container is designed without a venting mechanism, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easier, but pressure buildup occurs during high-temperature filling and pasteurization, creating safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The venting function is merged into the closure structure itself. The closure includes a compression vent that is integrated into its body, eliminating the need for separate venting components. When the closure is tightened onto the neck, the compression vent is activated through the existing structural interaction between the closure and the container neck.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression vent is self-activating through the natural tightening action of the closure. As the closure is screwed onto the neck, the compressive force automatically opens the vent without requiring any additional mechanisms, buttons, or user actions. The venting function serves itself through the basic closing operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate venting component is added to the container, then venting function is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The venting function is merged into the closure structure itself. The closure includes a compression vent that is integrated into its body, eliminating the need for separate venting components. When the closure is tightened onto the neck, the compression vent is activated through the existing structural interaction between the closure and the container neck.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure serves multiple functions: it seals the container opening and simultaneously provides the venting function through the integrated compression vent. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate venting components and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining effective venting capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the rim is made movable to define vents, then gas passage is enabled, but the structural strength and stability of the neck may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The rim is designed to be movable relative to the neck, transitioning between a first configuration (providing structural strength) and a second configuration (defining the vent opening). This dynamic capability allows the same structural element to serve both structural and functional purposes at different times, maintaining strength when needed and enabling gas passage when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The reliefs are strategically positioned at specific locations on the rim to allow localized movement and vent formation, while the rest of the rim structure maintains its full strength. This localized modification approach ensures that the overall structural integrity of the neck is preserved while enabling the necessary venting functionality at specific critical points.
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 enables efficient venting of gases and steam during filling and storage, enhancing safety and maintaining container integrity while minimizing additional processing steps, making it suitable for high-temperature filled products like pretzels and cheeseballs.
Implementation Method 1
A closure is provided that is engageable with the neck such that the rim is movable relative to the neck to define one or more vents configured for passage of a gas
Data Source
AI summary
A blow molded container is provided. The container includes a neck having a neck finish and a transverse rim that defines an opening. A closure is provided that is engageable with the neck such that the rim is movable relative to the neck to define one or more vents configured for passage of a gas. In some embodiments, methods of use and manufacturing containers are disclosed.