Bottle Cap Concave Rim Interference Fit Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bottle caps with internal foam liners face issues with leakage due to material and labor inefficiencies, and tamper-evident shrink sleeves can be difficult for consumers to remove, while internal pressure changes from freezing and thawing affect the seal.
Innovation Solution
A leak-proof bottle cap with a one-piece injection-molded plastic construction featuring an annular inner skirt for a tight interference fit and a concave top surface with an annular rim to facilitate easier removal of tamper-evident shrink sleeves, using polypropylene or co-polymer materials for improved impermeability and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a foam liner is used for sealing, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cap body and sealing elements into a single integrated structure made from polypropylene material. The cap includes an integrated valve assembly and sealing components that are molded as one piece, eliminating the need for separate foam liners that require secondary gluing processes. This merging of components maintains sealing effectiveness while reducing manufacturing complexity and labor.
2Reliability
If a shrink sleeve is used for tamper evidence, then security is improved, but ease of removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific structural features on the cap surface, including a ribbed outer surface and a distinct rim structure. These localized features provide grip points that enable consumers to easily remove the shrink sleeve while maintaining the integrity of the tamper-evident sealing function. The ribbed pattern and rim geometry are specifically designed to facilitate sleeve removal without compromising security.
3Reliability
If a foam liner is used for sealing, then sealing capability is improved, but resistance to pressure changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes composite material properties by employing polypropylene as the base material for the cap body, which provides inherent resistance to pressure changes and freezing conditions. The integrated valve assembly incorporates additional materials with specific pressure-resistant properties, creating a composite structure that maintains sealing capability while withstanding internal pressure variations during freezing and thawing cycles.
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 a reliable seal against leakage, extends the shelf life of liquid contents by reducing oxidation, and simplifies the removal of tamper-evident packaging, ensuring easy access and ergonomic handling.
Implementation Method 1
an annular inner skirt for a tight interference fit
Implementation Method 2
using polypropylene or co-polymer materials for improved impermeability
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A cap (10) for sealing a container having a neck includes an annular outer skirt (18) having an inner surface and an outer surface, a top portion of the outer skirt forming an annular rim (28). A generally concave top wall (14) extends inwardly from and below a plane defined by the rim, the top wall having a top face and a bottom face. An annular inner skirt (26) extends downward from the top wall bottom face and disposed radially inward from and concentric with the outer skirt, wherein the inner skirt is configured to sealingly engage with an inner surface of the container neck when the cap is attached thereto.