Container Closure Thread Locking and Sealing Liner Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of plastics in containers and their closures poses environmental concerns due to slow decomposition, inefficient recycling, and potential toxicity, necessitating a shift to more sustainable and recyclable materials.
Innovation Solution
Designing containers and closures from materials like aluminum and glass that can be efficiently recycled, with a sealing mechanism involving a thread and locking nib system to ensure a secure and effective seal without relying on plastic's pliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If plastic is used to manufacture containers and closures, then the containers can be easily manufactured and sealed, but the environmental impact increases due to slow decomposition, inefficient recycling, and potential toxicity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from plastic to alternative materials such as aluminum, glass, or biodegradable materials. This parameter change maintains the container's manufacturability and sealing capability while eliminating the environmental harm associated with plastic decomposition and recycling issues.
2Reliability
If plastic is used for the sealing liner, then the sealing function is effective due to pliability, but the recycling process becomes inefficient and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by making the sealing liner and the closure body the same material (e.g., both aluminum or both glass). This allows the entire closure assembly to be recycled together as a single material type, eliminating the need to separate plastic liners during recycling processes, thereby improving recycling efficiency and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable aluminum or paper liners instead of reusable plastic liners. These alternative liners are designed to be discarded with the closure, simplifying the recycling process since they can be processed along with the metal or glass closure without requiring separation or special handling procedures.
3Ease of manufacture
If plastic is used in the container closure, then the closure can be manufactured cost-effectively, but the potential toxicity risks increase due to the material's ability to absorb chemicals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite material structures where an inner liner (aluminum, paper, or biodegradable material) is combined with an outer closure body (aluminum or glass). This composite structure maintains manufacturing cost-effectiveness while eliminating the toxicity risks associated with plastic, as the alternative materials do not absorb chemicals in the same way plastic does.
4Reliability
If the sealing liner is compressed during threading, then the seal is effective, but the threading process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-compressing the sealing liner during the closure manufacturing process before the closure is assembled to the container. The liner is pre-formed with a compressed state that activates the seal upon engagement with the container threads, eliminating the need for complex real-time compression mechanisms during the threading operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic sealing where the sealing liner transitions from a relaxed state during assembly to a compressed state during threading. The liner's elasticity allows it to deform and compress automatically as the closure is screwed onto the container, providing an effective seal without requiring additional compression mechanisms or complex threading processes.
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 approach reduces environmental impact by promoting the use of recyclable materials, simplifying the recycling process, and providing a reliable seal while minimizing toxicity risks.
Implementation Method 1
the first end of the jar engages the sealing liner and compresses the sealing liner, wherein sealing liner at least partially decompresses when the ends of the first and second threads are engaged with each other
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes a jar, a lid, and a sealing liner arranged within the lid. The jar includes a first thread and the lid includes a second thread arranged to mate with the first thread. The first thread includes a detent and the second thread includes a locking nib configured to engage the detent of the first thread. The sealing liner is configured such that, upon twisting the lid onto the jar such that the second thread engages the first thread, the first end of the jar engages the sealing liner and compresses the sealing liner, wherein sealing liner at least partially decompresses when the ends of the first thread and the second thread are in engagement with each other.