Two-Part Closure Assembly with Pry-Off Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing two-part closure systems require high torque to open and break vacuum seals, making them difficult to operate, especially when packaging food products that create negative pressure.
Innovation Solution
A two-part closure system featuring a metal disc and ring with a radially inwardly extending pry-off feature and a snap-fit mechanism, allowing the ring to be pre-assembled to the container without needing to rotate it during capping, and enabling easy opening and re-closing without twisting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional two-part closure system with threads or lugs on the skirt is used, then the closure can engage with the container, but high torque is required to open and break vacuum seals
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is divided into two functional parts: a snap-fit closure mechanism for sealing and a pry-off feature for opening. The radially inwardly extending pry-off feature on the skirt allows a tool to lever the closure open, separating the sealing function from the opening function and reducing the torque required to break vacuum seals
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a radial dimension to the opening mechanism through the radially inwardly extending pry-off feature. Instead of rotating the closure to open it (torsional motion), the pry-off feature enables opening through radial leverage, allowing the closure to be pried open from the sealed position without requiring high rotational torque
2Ease of manufacture
If the ring is pre-assembled to the container without rotation during capping, then the capping process is simplified, but the closure must still provide secure engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is pre-assembled to the container in a fixed position without requiring rotation during capping. The radially inwardly extending pry-off feature is pre-positioned on the skirt, allowing the closure to be secured to the container through simple snap-fit engagement of the closure body with the container opening, eliminating complex rotational assembly steps
Solution Approach 2:
The closure system uses its own structural features (the radially inwardly extending pry-off feature integrated into the skirt) to provide both secure engagement and opening functionality. The pry-off feature itself serves as both a structural element and an opening mechanism, eliminating the need for separate engagement features
3Ease of operation
If a radially inwardly extending pry-off feature is added to the skirt, then the opening force required is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radially inwardly extending pry-off feature on the skirt serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the skirt, creates the leverage point for opening the closure, and integrates with the overall closure geometry. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving reduced opening force
Data Source
AI summary
A closure assembly comprising a two-part closure having a metal panel or disc (2) and a ring (3), and a container such as a glass jar (20). The ring (3) is substantially cylindrical with an axially upwardly extending sidewall and has a radially inwardly extending lower edge. The jar (20) terminates in a radially outwardly extending beaded rim (16) and the disc (2) has a curled circumference (8) such that this curl (8) co-operates with the beaded rim (16) of the container to provide a primary seal. In one example, in a metal ring (3), the lower edge is curled with equally spaced lugs (13) on the skirt wall. In a plastic ring, the upper rim feature may be omitted.