Closure Device Sealing Mechanism for Additive Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure devices for releasing additives into containers are complex to manufacture due to the need for flexible materials and additional seals, and they often result in liquid dripping after use, especially when handling carbonated beverages.
Innovation Solution
A closure device with a cap member and casing that includes primary and secondary circumferential seals, a nozzle, and a venting mechanism to manage pressure and prevent leakage, allowing for controlled release and resealing of additives into containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separately formed bottom wall with flexible material is used to provide an effective seal with the plug member, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom wall is divided into a rigid support structure and a separate flexible sealing element (membrane or diaphragm). This segmentation allows the rigid portion to provide structural support while the flexible sealing element provides the necessary sealing effectiveness, simplifying manufacturing compared to a completely flexible bottom wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure device uses composite construction combining rigid materials (for the cap body and support structure) with flexible materials (for the sealing membrane or diaphragm). This composite approach maintains sealing effectiveness while allowing the rigid portions to be manufactured with standard molding techniques, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
2Reliability
If additional seals are added between the housing and the fluid chamber to maintain pressure, then pressure maintenance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal between the plug member and the fluid chamber neck is integrated with the plug member's circumferential seal structure. This merging of sealing functions reduces the number of separate seal components needed while maintaining effective pressure containment between the housing and fluid chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug member is designed with multiple sealing surfaces and circumferential seals that serve dual purposes: sealing the fluid chamber during both closed and open positions, and maintaining pressure containment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated pressure maintenance seals.
3Ease of operation
If the cap member remains in its open position after removal from the neck, then ease of operation is improved, but liquid leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device includes a cap liner or internal sealing structure that prevents liquid from reaching the nozzle opening when the cap is removed from the container. This preliminary protective structure stops the leakage problem before it occurs, allowing the cap to remain open without causing liquid loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is extracted from the cap member's position relative to the container neck and relocated to an internal sealing structure (cap liner or seal member) that remains in place even when the cap is removed. This extraction allows the cap to be easily opened while the internal seal prevents leakage.
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 simplifies manufacturing by using a single, stiff material for the fluid chamber, reduces leakage risks, and effectively handles both carbonated and non-carbonated liquids by maintaining seals and controlling pressure, ensuring efficient mixing without product loss.
Implementation Method 1
the plug member comprises a primary circumferential seal adapted to seal between the plug member and the upper portion of the neck
Implementation Method 2
an upper circumferential seal adapted to seal between the plug member and the upper portion of the neck
Implementation Method 3
a nozzle directed away from the fluid chamber and in fluid communication with the exterior surface of the plug member
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a closure device for releasing an additive liquid into a liquid in a container by operation of the closure device and to a container including such a closure device. The closure device comprises a cap member defining a fluid chamber having a neck at a lower end thereof and a casing substantially surrounding the fluid chamber and having a plug member extending into the neck of the fluid chamber, wherein the neck has an upper portion having a first diameter, and wherein the plug member comprises a primary circumferential seal adapted to seal between the plug member and the upper portion of the neck, an upper circumferential seal adapted to seal between the plug member and the upper portion of the neck, and a nozzle directed away from the fluid chamber and in fluid communication with the exterior surface of the plug member below the primary circumferential seal. The cap member is arranged to be lifted relative to the casing from a closed position, through an open position in which a communication path is provided from the fluid chamber through a path between the upper portion of the neck and the plug member to the nozzle, to a sealed position, wherein in the closed position the primary circumferential seal seals between the plug member and the upper portion of the neck, wherein in the open position the primary circumferential seal is located below the upper portion of the neck and the upper circumferential seal is located below the upper portion of the neck, and wherein in the sealed position the upper circumferential seal seals between the plug member and the upper portion of the neck.