Composite Container Bottom Closure with Removable End Cap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional containers face a need for a low-cost, durable bottom closure that can protect contents during shipping and handling, as metal closures are expensive and not intended to be removable, unlike the top membrane.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a top membrane and an end closure subassembly with a bottom membrane and end cap, where the bottom membrane is pre-inserted into the end cap, sealed to the container, and the end cap is removable independently, providing additional protection during shipping and allowing reclosure of the top opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal closure is used for the bottom of the container, then adequate protection during shipping and handling is provided, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom closure system is segmented into two functional parts: a durable end cap for structural protection during shipping, and a removable bottom membrane for product access. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the end cap provides the structural strength previously requiring metal, while the membrane provides the sealing function at lower cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The bottom membrane is designed as a disposable, low-cost component that is sealed to the end cap and then removed when the container is first opened. This allows the use of inexpensive materials for the membrane while the durable end cap is reused for reclosing the container top, eliminating the need for expensive metal closures.
2Strength
If the bottom seal is made stronger to withstand shipping and handling, then durability is improved, but the membrane cannot be easily removed for product access
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into two distinct components with different strength characteristics: the end cap provides strong structural attachment to withstand shipping, while the bottom membrane provides a weaker, easily removable seal for product access. The differential strength between these segmented components resolves the contradiction between durability and ease of removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The end cap acts as an intermediary component between the container body and the bottom membrane. It provides the strong structural support needed for durability while allowing the membrane to be separately optimized for easy removal. The end cap mediates between the conflicting requirements of strength and removability.
3Ease of operation
If a removable bottom closure is used to allow product access, then ease of operation is improved, but protection during shipping and handling is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is segmented into the end cap for structural protection during shipping and the bottom membrane for easy product access. This segmentation allows the end cap to maintain structural integrity during transport while the membrane provides easy access when needed, resolving the contradiction between protection and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bottom membrane transitions from a fixed, protective state during shipping to a removable, accessible state for product access. This dynamic behavior allows the same component to serve different functions at different times - providing protection during transport and ease of access during use.
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
This design allows for a weaker, less expensive bottom membrane to be used while maintaining protection during shipping and handling, and enables the end cap to reclose the top opening after initial access, enhancing product preservation and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
the bottom membrane is sealed to the bottom end for sealing the bottom opening
Implementation Method 2
the end cap engages the rim (e.g., a rolled bead or a flange) on the top of the container in such a way that a snap-fit or interference fit connection exists to hold the end cap onto the container
Data Source
AI summary
A container having an integrated bottom end closure subassembly. The container includes a top opening and bottom opening. The top opening is initially closed and sealed with a top membrane while the bottom opening is closed by the end closure subassembly. The subassembly includes an end cap and a bottom membrane. The subassembly is configured so that positioning the end cap onto the container to close the bottom opening positions the bottom membrane near the container. The bottom membrane may be sealed to the container. Once the bottom membrane is sealed to the container, the end cap may be removed from the container independently from the bottom membrane. The end cap provides protection to the bottom membrane during shipping and handling and then is used by the consumer to reclose the top opening once the top membrane is removed.