Container Closure With Deformable Sealing Bead for Corrosion Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container closures for beverage cans fail to provide a cost-effective, easy-to-attach, and liquid-tight reclosure solution, often leading to corrosion of the opening edges due to exposure to liquids.
Innovation Solution
A container closure featuring a deformable plastic flange with a radially outer sealing bead and peripheral expansion joint, combined with a lid that forms a liquid-tight connection by pressing the sealing bead over the container opening edge, preventing corrosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple opening surface is provided in the beverage can top, then manufacturing costs are reduced and production is simplified, but the opening edges become exposed to liquid and prone to corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a closure base with a sealing bead that acts as an intermediary element between the opening surface and the liquid. The sealing bead's groove receives the opening edge and prevents liquid from contacting it, while the closure base itself serves as the mediator that installs over the opening and provides corrosion protection without requiring complex protective coatings on the can itself
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing bead is made of elastomeric material that can deform during installation and then resiliently returns to its original shape. This flexible property allows the sealing bead to be pressed into the opening, deform to accommodate the opening edge in its groove, and then spring back to create a tight seal that protects the edge from liquid contact
2Reliability
If a reclosure system is added to the beverage can, then the container can be tightly closed again after opening, but the device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is divided into two separate components: a closure base that provides the sealing function and protects the opening edge, and a lid that provides the reclosure capability. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while keeping the overall structure relatively simple and cost-effective
Solution Approach 2:
The closure base serves multiple functions: it seals the opening, protects the opening edge from corrosion, and provides a mounting structure for the lid. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall closure system while maintaining reliable reclosure capability
3Manufacturing precision
If the sealing bead is made resilient, then it can deform during installation and return to original shape for tight sealing, but the material selection and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that the sealing bead be made from elastomeric material with particular properties (resilience, ability to deform and return to original shape). By defining the material parameters upfront, the design achieves tight sealing through the material's inherent properties rather than through complex geometric features or multiple manufacturing steps
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 allows for inexpensive production, easy attachment, and secure reclosure of beverage cans, protecting the opening edges from liquid contact and corrosion.
Implementation Method 1
The elastomeric sealing bead can be pressed inwards during the installation process and can resiliently return to its original shape
Implementation Method 2
The expansion element is designed in such a way that the sealing bead is pressed radially outwards during this penetration in order to push the groove over the edge of the opening of the container
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a container closure with a flange (01), which is made of plastic and has a deformable securing section (06) on a container side, and with a lid (10), which is removably attached to a dispensing opening (02) of the flange (01). The securing section comprises a radially outer-lying sealing bead (07) and a circumferential expanding gap (08). The lid comprises a closure surface (11) and an outer sleeve (12) adjoining said closure surface. An expanding element (13) presses the sealing bead (07) radially outwards in order to move the groove (09) over the edge of an opening (05) of a container (03) when the container closure is inserted into the opening. The invention further relates to a container with an opening (05) in an opening surface (04), such a container closure being attached in the opening (05).