Reclosable Coffee Container Snap Bead Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging for roast and ground coffee experiences issues with internal vacuum-induced stress during transportation, leading to a loose fit of the overcap, premature staling due to air ingress, and increased removal force, especially in lightweight containers with wide sealing surfaces and flanges.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, thin-walled reclosable container with a straight wall finish and snap bead segments positioned below the top surface, utilizing a laminated plastic material with a one-way valve for CO2 venting, which reduces the seal width and minimizes radially inward creep, ensuring a hermetic seal and easier cap removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wide sealing surface or flange is used to provide more sealing area, then seal strength is improved, but radially inward stress from internal vacuum causes localized reduction of diameter and loose fit of overcap
Solution Approach 1:
The snap bead segments are positioned at a lower vertical position on the container wall, below the sealing surface, rather than at the same level. This dimensional relocation allows the sealing surface to maintain its width for hermetic sealing while the overcap engagement occurs at a different vertical dimension where vacuum-induced radial stress is reduced, preventing loose fit.
2Area of stationary object
If a wide sealing surface is used, then more sealing area is provided, but the flange can bend too much resulting in poor contact area and poor seal
Solution Approach 1:
The snap bead segments are relocated to a lower vertical position on the container wall, separating the sealing function (at the top sealing surface) from the mechanical engagement function (at the lower snap bead position). This dimensional separation allows the sealing surface to be wide for adequate sealing area while the snap beads engage at a position less affected by vacuum-induced bending.
3Reliability
If an inwardly extending flange is used at the sealing surface, then seal strength is improved, but it interferes with the pouring of coffee
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement features (snap bead segments) are moved to a lower vertical dimension on the container wall, below the sealing surface and pouring rim area. This allows the sealing surface to have sufficient width for strong sealing while the pouring operation occurs at the upper rim without interference from engagement features.
4Ease of operation
If snap bead segments are positioned at the top sealing surface, then overcap engagement is facilitated, but internal vacuum causes radially inward stress reducing diameter and loose fit
Solution Approach 1:
The snap bead segments are positioned at a lower vertical dimension on the container wall, below the sealing surface. At this lower position, the radial inward stress caused by internal vacuum is significantly reduced compared to the top sealing surface area. This allows the overcap to engage securely with the snap beads without the detrimental effects of vacuum-induced diameter reduction.
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 effectively maintains seal integrity during transportation and storage, reduces the initial cap removal force, and prevents air ingress, thereby preserving coffee freshness and aroma, while allowing for easy opening and reclosing.
Implementation Method 1
Containers for retail packaging of roast and ground coffee are often equipped with a one-way valve to permit egress of carbon dioxide (CO2) while substantially preventing ingress of air
Implementation Method 2
A lightweight, thin-walled reclosable container made of laminated plastic material... ensuring a hermetic seal and easier cap removal
Implementation Method 3
When intermodal shipment of containers over mountains produces an internal vacuum within the containers, the vacuum can pull the sealing membrane down tightly around the opening of the container
Data Source
AI summary
A packaged roast and ground coffee product comprising a lightweight, thin-walled reclosable container comprising a moisture barrier and an oxygen barrier, and a quantity of roast and ground coffee disposed within the container. The container comprises a finish having a top surface and one or more snap beads positioned below the top surface. A sealing member may be sealed to the top surface and may include a one-way valve permitting venting of CO2 resulting from off-gassing of the roast and ground coffee while preventing ingress of air. A removable overcap comprising a top wall and a depending skirt may be affixed to the finish. The skirt may include an inner surface with at least one locking member dimensioned to engage the snap beads in an interference fit. The packaged roast and ground coffee is preferably capable of withstanding stacking loads and loads associated with decreased interior pressure.