Composite Container Lid With Plastic Inner Seal and Metal Shell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional smokeless tobacco containers with metal lids are prone to oxidation and lack a superior seal, leading to flavor degradation and moisture issues.
Innovation Solution
A composite lid system comprising an outer metal lid and an inner plastic lid, where the inner plastic lid is attached to the outer metal lid through adhesive bonding, mechanical engagement, or knurling, with vented grooves for air escape, creating a stiff and premium package with improved sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a metal lid is used for the container, then the container provides structural strength and durability, but the metal lid is prone to oxidation and lacks a superior seal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a metal outer lid with a plastic inner lid to create a composite lid assembly. The metal outer lid provides structural strength and durability, while the plastic inner lid provides oxidation resistance and superior sealing. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by integrating the advantages of both materials in a single functional unit.
2Strength
If a metal lid is used for the container, then the container provides structural strength, but the metal lid allows air and moisture ingress leading to flavor degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The composite lid assembly combines metal outer lid and plastic inner lid where the plastic material provides resistance to oxidation and moisture ingress, protecting the tobacco product from harmful factors while the metal structure maintains structural strength.
3Reliability
If the inner plastic lid extends beyond the outer metal lid, then the plastic lid can frictionally engage the base for better sealing, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the inner plastic lid inside the outer metal lid, with the inner lid extending slightly beyond the outer lid to engage the base. This nested configuration allows the sealing function to be integrated within the existing lid structure without requiring separate components or complex assembly mechanisms.
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 composite lid system minimizes oxidation, enhances the seal, and maintains flavor by preventing air and moisture ingress, resulting in a more durable and effective packaging solution for smokeless tobacco.
Implementation Method 1
The composite lid can be fitted on a base having an integral bottom wall and cylindrical sidewall such that the sidewall of the inner plastic lid frictionally engages the sidewall of the base.
Implementation Method 2
the top wall of the outer metal lid is adhesively bonded to the top wall of the inner plastic lid
Implementation Method 3
the outer metal lid is mechanically fitted to the inner plastic lid by knurling the sidewall of the outer metal lid such that indentations are knurled into the sidewall of the outer metal lid and tips of the indentations penetrate an outer surface of the sidewall of the inner plastic lid
Implementation Method 4
the at least one detent comprises a plurality of spring biased tabs and the at least one recess comprises an annular groove extending into the sidewall of the inner plastic lid, with tips of the plurality of spring biased tabs located in the annular groove
Implementation Method 5
the sidewall of the inner plastic lid includes at least one vertical groove configured to allow air to escape from a space between the top wall of the outer metal lid and the top wall of the inner plastic lid when the inner plastic lid is attached to the outer metal lid
Data Source
AI summary
A composite lid of a cylindrical container includes an outer metal lid having an integral top wall and sidewall and an inner plastic lid having a top wall and sidewall fitted inside the outer metal lid such that a free end of the sidewall of the inner plastic lid extends beyond a free end of the sidewall of the outer metal lid. The composite lid can be fitted on a base having an integral bottom wall and sidewall such that the sidewall of the inner plastic lid frictionally engages the sidewall of the base. The outer metal lid can be formed by stamping sheet metal, the inner plastic lid can be formed by molding a polymer material and the base can be formed by molding a polymer material. The outer metal lid can be adhesively bonded or mechanically fitted to the inner plastic lid.