Closure Fixation for Overpressure Relief in Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overpressure relief systems in containers, particularly for carbonated beverages, are limited by the use of flexible diaphragms which complicate design, access control, and manufacturing, and require separate materials for fixation and pressure relief, making them costly and difficult to recycle.
Innovation Solution
An overpressure relief system integrated into the closure of a container with two fixation positions, allowing the closure to move between sealing and pressure relief positions, utilizing a snap-fit mechanism with protrusions on the container and closure, eliminating the need for high flexible materials and enabling single-material construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flexible diaphragm is used for overpressure relief, then pressure relief function is achieved, but design flexibility and access control are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and mechanical properties of the closure by using a single material that can exhibit different structural configurations. The closure transitions between a first configuration (sealing position) and a second configuration (pressure relief position) through parameter changes in its structural state, eliminating the need for flexible diaphragms while maintaining pressure relief functionality and improving design flexibility.
2Reliability
If different materials are used for rigid fixation and flexible pressure relief, then functional requirements are met, but manufacturing and recycling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by constructing the entire closure from a single material with consistent properties throughout. This eliminates the need for multi-material construction, simplifying manufacturing processes and enabling easier recycling. The single material is engineered to provide both the necessary structural rigidity for fixation and the structural transformability for pressure relief through configuration changes rather than material property variations.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single-material closure is used, then manufacturing and recycling are simplified, but pressure relief mechanism becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by designing the closure to transition between different structural configurations. The closure can dynamically change from a first configuration that provides sealing to a second configuration that allows pressure relief. This dynamic structural transformation enables the pressure relief mechanism to function reliably using a single material, as the material's structural state changes rather than requiring different material properties.
4Ease of manufacture
If the closure structure is simplified, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but overpressure relief control may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the closure into distinct functional zones or structural segments that can independently perform different functions. The closure structure is segmented to include specific features for sealing, pressure sensing, and pressure relief, allowing each segment to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity. This segmented design enables precise overpressure relief control without requiring complex manufacturing.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly of a container and a closure, the assembly having an overpressure relief system, wherein the system has a fixation between the closure and a container, the fixation providing two positions in between which the closure is movable.