Cap Liner Profile for Pressure Retention and Oxygen Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cap closures for carbonated and oxygen-sensitive beverages, such as semi-sparkling wine, fail to maintain internal pressure and prevent oxygen transmission effectively, while also being difficult to reseal and opening, impacting brand image and consumer experience.
Innovation Solution
A cap liner configuration with a specified profile, including an outer lip and inner rib, designed using injection molding to enhance sealing performance and reduce oxygen transmission, capable of maintaining internal pressure above 70 psi and providing resealability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional wine closures (champagne corks or crown closures) are used for semi-sparkling wines, then brand image and ease of opening are improved, but pressure retention is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is divided into separate functional components: an aluminum cap body for structural integrity and pressure retention, and a plastic liner for sealing. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function while working together as a unified closure system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining aluminum (metal) and plastic materials. The aluminum cap provides mechanical strength and pressure containment, while the plastic liner provides the sealing interface. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by leveraging the strengths of different materials for different functions.
2Ease of operation
If long-skirt screw-caps with SARANEX liners are used, then ease of re-application and marketing image are improved, but pressure retention above 40 psi cannot be consistently achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameters of the liner from traditional SARANEX to a specially formulated plastic composition with enhanced mechanical properties and pressure resistance. This parameter change allows the liner to withstand higher internal pressures (above 40 psi) while maintaining the screw-cap's ease of re-application feature.
Solution Approach 2:
The liner design incorporates specific curved geometries and rounded features that distribute stress more effectively under pressure. The curved profile allows the liner to deform elastically under pressure without failing, enabling consistent pressure retention above 40 psi while maintaining seal integrity.
3Reliability
If injection molded liners (GUALA MOSS or ERBEN ASTRO) are used, then pressure retention is improved, but oxygen transmission rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a composite liner structure combining multiple plastic materials with complementary properties. The outer layer provides pressure resistance and structural integrity, while the inner layer offers superior oxygen barrier properties. This composite approach simultaneously achieves both pressure retention and low oxygen transmission rate.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the liner are made from materials with different properties optimized for their specific functions. The area in contact with the beverage uses material with superior oxygen barrier properties, while other areas prioritize pressure resistance and flexibility. This local optimization resolves the contradiction between pressure retention and oxygen transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for implementing a cap closure for a carbonated beverage is disclosed. According to one embodiment, an apparatus includes a cap liner having an outer lip and an inner portion. The cap liner is symmetric about a central plane of the inner portion. The outer lip includes an outer nub extending radially outward.