Closure Assembly with Embedded Membrane for Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure assemblies for containers, particularly those used for food and pharmaceutical products, often suffer from leakage and inadequate sealing, leading to product spoilage and contamination issues, and are complex and costly, with environmental sustainability and recyclability concerns.
Innovation Solution
A closure assembly featuring a collar with a flat annular protrusion that embeds a flexible membrane, allowing for easy opening and secure sealing, made from the same thermoplastic material for improved recyclability and reduced production complexity, using an injection molding process that integrates the membrane into the collar in a single step.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a lid or closure is provided on the container, then the container can be repeatedly opened and closed for user access, but leakage and inadequate sealing occur leading to product spoilage
Solution Approach 1:
The closure assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: a rigid collar providing structural support and engagement with the container, and a flexible membrane providing the sealing function. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to provide both ease of operation and reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible membrane is integrated into the closure assembly to provide effective sealing. The membrane's flexibility allows it to conform to the container opening and maintain a reliable seal, while its thin film structure enables it to flex during opening and closing operations without compromising seal integrity.
2Reliability
If multiple different materials are used in the closure assembly, then the sealing and structural requirements are met, but environmental sustainability and recyclability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The closure assembly is constructed using the same thermoplastic material for both the collar and the membrane components. This homogeneity in material composition simplifies the manufacturing process and, more importantly, enables the entire closure assembly to be recycled together as a single material type, significantly improving environmental sustainability and recyclability while maintaining reliable sealing and structural performance.
3Reliability
If a complex closure assembly with multiple elements is used, then adequate sealing is achieved, but production costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The collar and membrane components are merged into a single integrated closure assembly where the membrane is secured to the collar. This integration reduces the number of separate parts and assembly steps required, simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining adequate sealing effectiveness through the combined structural support of the collar and sealing function of the membrane.
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 cost-effective, environmentally sustainable, and easily recyclable closure that effectively prevents leakage and contamination while being user-friendly and aesthetically appealing, with a simplified production process that reduces costs and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
starting the injection of thermoplastic material
Implementation Method 2
cooling and releasing the closure assembly so moulded
Data Source
Figure 1A~2E
Figure 3A~3E
Figure 4A~4B'
AI summary
The present invention relates to a closure assembly for a container, in particular a container filled or fillable with a food product, even more particular a container filled or fillable with a solid food product. It should be appreciable that, although preferably conceived for closing food containers, the closure assembly of the present invention can suitably be used also for animal feed, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, chemical, and agrochemical product containers. The closure assembly also satisfies the needs of providing an aesthetically appealing container closure, while having tamper evident sealing mechanisms and being easy to use.