Bottle Closure Radial Compression Seal for Torque Consistency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing metal closing caps with plastic inserts face challenges in achieving a reliable seal for white wine packaging without high screwing/unscrewing torque, and they are sensitive to variations in bottle dimensions and capping conditions, leading to inconsistent sealing and torque values.
Innovation Solution
A screw closing cap design featuring a metal shell with a plastic insert that uses radial compression of an add-on seal, allowing for a consistent seal and torque independent of axial position, enabling greater tolerance in bottle dimensions and reduced torque requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If axial compression of the seal is used to achieve a reliable seal, then sealing performance is improved, but the seal quality becomes sensitive to variations in bottle dimensions and cap axial position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from axial compression (one-dimensional) to radial compression (another dimension) of the seal. The compressible element is positioned to compress the seal radially against the bottle neck's mating ring, perpendicular to the bottle axis. This dimensional change eliminates sensitivity to axial position variations while maintaining reliable sealing, as the radial compression occurs at a fixed radial location regardless of axial alignment.
2Reliability
If high screwing torque is applied to ensure seal integrity, then sealing performance is improved, but the cap becomes difficult to unscrew by hand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the compression parameter from axial force to radial force applied by the compressible element. This parameter change allows the seal to be compressed sufficiently for integrity while the radial (而非axial) positioning ensures that the cap can be unscrewed by hand without excessive torque. The compressible element's elasticity and radial geometry enable adequate sealing with lower unscrewing resistance.
3Reliability
If tight tolerances on bottle dimensions are enforced to ensure consistent sealing, then seal quality is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By switching to radial compression, the patent creates a sealing mechanism that is inherently less sensitive to axial dimensional variations. The radial compression occurs at a fixed radial position determined by the compressible element's geometry, allowing consistent sealing even when axial positions vary due to normal manufacturing tolerances in bottle height or cap positioning.
4Force
If axial compression of the seal is used, then sealing force is sufficient, but the screwing/unscrewing torque becomes highly variable
Solution Approach 1:
The radial compression mechanism creates a more stable and predictable torque characteristic. Since the compressible element applies radial force at a fixed radial location, the friction and mechanical interaction during screwing/unscrewing become more consistent, reducing torque variability compared to axial compression where small axial position changes cause significant force variations.
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 cap achieves a reliable seal with constant unscrewing torque across varying conditions, increasing capping rates and maintaining seal integrity even at high temperatures, making it suitable for industrial use and diverse environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the insert comprises a radial compression means of the seal in contact with the neck, such that when the closing cap is screwed to the neck, the border is compressed radially between the insert and the neck
Data Source
AI summary
A closure, embodied to cooperate with a neck of a container, the neck, having a wide mouth on the upper part thereof, an external thread and a tapering piece on the lateral wall, for sealing the closure which includes a) an external body having an external head and skirt, b) an insert, enclosed within the body and fixed thereto, including an internal head and skirt, provided with an internal thread, for cooperation with the external thread of the neck and c) a sealing joint, forming an inset piece, fixed to the insert. The joint has a central piece and a border piece. The insert includes a radial compression element, for the sealing joint against the neck, such that when the bottle closure is screwed to the neck, the border is compressed radially between the insert and the neck.