Container Lip Sealing Surface Preparation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for sealing glass containers are inefficient in creating a reliable seal, particularly in high humidity environments, and do not adequately address the need for a robust and long-lasting seal that can maintain product freshness for extended periods.

Innovation Solution

A method involving heating, cooling, rinsing, and drying the container lip, followed by applying a seal that includes multiple layers such as aluminum foil and ethylene acrylic acid (EAA) polymer, which is then bonded using induction or conduction techniques, enhancing the seal's integrity and resistance to leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional sealing methods are used, then the sealing process is simple, but the seal reliability deteriorates in high humidity environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal reliabilityVSAvoidsealing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container lip is subjected to flame treatment and coating application before sealing to create an optimized sealing surface. This preliminary preparation ensures that when sealing occurs, the conditions are already prepared for maximum bond strength and humidity resistance, resolving the contradiction by performing necessary actions in advance rather than during the sealing process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple coating layers are applied to the container lip, including a silane-based coating and an EAA copolymer coating. These composite coatings work together to provide both adhesion and humidity resistance, creating a seal that maintains reliability in high humidity environments while managing the complexity through systematic layer application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Duration of action of stationary object

If the seal is applied immediately after heating, then the process time is reduced, but the seal integrity deteriorates due to insufficient cooling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal durabilityVSAvoidsealing process time

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The container lip is cooled after flame treatment before the sealing operation. This preliminary cooling step stabilizes the glass surface temperature to prevent thermal shock and ensure proper bonding conditions, thereby improving seal durability while the time loss is minimized by efficient cooling methodology

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The temperature of the container lip is controlled through flame treatment followed by cooling to an optimal range for sealing. By changing the temperature parameter systematically, the process achieves both sufficient cooling for integrity and efficient timing, resolving the contradiction between durability and time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If multiple coating layers are applied to the container lip, then the seal resistance to leakage improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal resistance to leakageVSAvoidmanufacturing ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A multi-layer coating system is applied to the container lip, with each layer serving a specific function: the silane-based coating provides adhesion to the glass surface, while the EAA copolymer coating provides leakage resistance and humidity protection. This composite approach improves seal reliability while the systematic application method manages manufacturing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The coating process is segmented into distinct steps: first applying the silane-based coating, then applying the EAA copolymer coating. This segmentation allows each coating to be optimized for its specific function and applied under controlled conditions, improving leak resistance while making the manufacturing process more manageable through stepwise execution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 method creates a durable seal that maintains product freshness for 6 to 18 months, even in high humidity conditions, offering improved packaging solutions for glass containers.

Implementation Method 1

heating at least a lip of the container, then cooling at least the lip

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlame treatment: Heating

Implementation Method 2

heating a container lip or rim surface by flame treatment to oxidize the material existent thereon

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 3

bonded using induction or conduction techniques

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Implementation Method 4

bonded using induction or conduction techniques

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3052254B1Preparing a sealing surface of a container

Publication Date: 2017.06.28 OWENS BROCKWAY GLASS CONTAINER INC

Figure 1~3

AI summary

A method of preparing a sealing surface of a container for application of a seal. A lip (13) of a container (12) may be heated (120), rinsed (130), and dried (140) to establish the sealing surface. Then, a seal (14) may be applied to the sealing surface.