Composite Closure Structure for Lightweight Package Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closures and opening devices for packages containing pourable food products, such as those used in Tetra Brik Aseptic packages, require further improvement to enhance functionality and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A composite package design incorporating a polymer-based opening device with a fiber-based material closure, featuring a collar, a movable closure, and a threading mechanism that allows for controlled opening and closing of the pouring outlet, along with a sealing lip for enhanced sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a closure is made from traditional materials and structure, then it provides adequate sealing and coverage, but it increases weight and material usage
Solution Approach 1:
The closure is constructed from composite materials combining a polymer base structure with a fiber-based material (such as paper or cardboard) applied to the outer surface. This composite construction reduces the overall weight and material usage while maintaining the structural integrity and sealing effectiveness required for the pouring outlet closure.
2Loss of substance
If a closure is made lighter with reduced material, then weight and material usage decrease, but mechanical stability and sealing integrity may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
By combining polymer material (providing structural strength and flexibility) with fiber-based material (providing rigidity and stability), the closure achieves reduced material usage while maintaining adequate mechanical integrity. The synergistic combination of these materials allows for thinner walls and reduced overall material consumption without compromising strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber-based material is selectively applied to specific regions of the closure where additional strength and stability are most needed, such as the outer surface areas subjected to handling forces, while maintaining lighter construction in other regions. This localized reinforcement optimizes the strength-to-weight ratio.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
There is described a closure (10, 10') for an opening device (3), the closure (10, 10') comprising a main wall (13) configured to be arranged on a pouring outlet of a collar of the opening device (3), a support ring (15) displaced from the main wall (13) along a longitudinal axis (B), a plurality of ribs (16) interposed between and connected to the main wall (13) and the support ring (15) and being angularly displaced from one another about the longitudinal axis (B) and a plurality of spaces (17), each space (17) being interposed between two neighboring ribs (16). At least one of the spaces (17) is void of any material.