Beverage Closure Membrane for Low-Force Resealing Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional resealable closures for beverage containers face challenges in achieving uniform manufacturing tolerances and sufficient mechanical strength, particularly with pressure-activated membranes that are prone to deformation and require complex materials and processes to meet regulatory requirements for tensile strength and choking hazard safety.
Innovation Solution
A closure design featuring an annular membrane with a structurally weakened region, which allows for improved responsiveness to pressure differences and increased thickness without compromising deflection properties, using a different material for the membrane that provides a lower stiffness and reduced actuation force, enabling easier operation and air venting while maintaining high closure force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the membrane is made thinner or extended to increase flexibility for valve operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the mechanical strength and resistance to biting or chewing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is designed with non-uniform thickness, featuring a thinned annular region that provides flexibility for valve operation while maintaining sufficient thickness in other areas to ensure mechanical strength and resistance to biting or chewing forces
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane is divided into regions with different thickness characteristics - a thinned annular region for flexibility and thicker regions for strength - allowing each zone to fulfill its specific functional requirement
2Strength
If a stiff material is used for the membrane to ensure mechanical strength, then the strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to increased force required to actuate the valve
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane uses varying thickness to create local flexibility in the thinned annular region, allowing easy valve operation while maintaining overall structural strength through thicker sections
3Ease of operation
If the membrane is loosely connected to allow freedom of movement for responsiveness, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision and uniformity of closure force deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The thinned annular region provides controlled flexibility and responsiveness while the overall membrane structure maintains consistent geometric parameters that ensure uniform closure force across all manufactured units
4Strength
If multiple types of plastic materials are used for the membrane to balance flexibility and strength, then the strength is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane achieves both flexibility and strength by varying the thickness parameter of a single material, eliminating the need for multiple material types and simplifying manufacturing while meeting mechanical requirements
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 closure design enhances the drinking experience by reducing the force required to open the valve, allowing for controlled air return and improved mechanical stress tolerance, while simplifying the manufacturing process and achieving uniform tolerances in mass production.
Implementation Method 1
an annular membrane connecting the outer and inner portions and configured to provide a returning force to resiliently bias the inner portion towards the first position
Implementation Method 2
a pressure activated closure device for a beverage container, in which a pressure-sealing membrane is connected between an outer portion of the closure device and a centrally located drinking orifice portion. Movement of the drinking orifice portion results in flexure of the membrane and opening of a valve, allowing the liquid contents of the bottle to flow through the drinking orifice
Data Source
AI summary
A closure is for a container, for example a beverage container. In some examples the closure comprises an outer portion connectable to an opening of the container, an axially actuatable inner portion having a sealing member for restricting fluid flow through the closure with the inner portion in a first position and allowing fluid flow through the closure with the inner portion in a second position axially displaced relative to the outer portion, and an annular membrane connecting the outer and inner portions and configured to provide a returning force to resiliently bias the inner portion towards the first position. A beverage container comprises a closure. A method is for operating a closure.