Container Membrane Support Structure for Filling Integrity

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge is to maintain the integrity of a membrane sealed inside a container during filling from below, as the filling process applies forces that can compromise the adhesive bond between the membrane and the container.

Innovation Solution

A support structure is introduced, which includes a support section attached to the membrane and a stretcher section attached to the lid. This structure redirects forces acting on the membrane during filling, enhancing the shear component over the peeling component in the fastening area, thereby improving the resilience of the membrane bond.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the membrane is sealed to the inside of the container wall without a support structure, then the container structure remains simple, but the peeling forces during filling compromise the bond integrity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemembrane bond integrityVSAvoidcontainer structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A support structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the membrane and the lid. This support structure includes a support section attached to the membrane and a stretcher section attached to the lid, which redirects forces during filling to reduce peeling stresses on the membrane bond while maintaining overall structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure is segmented into distinct functional portions: a support section that contacts and supports the membrane, and a stretcher section that connects to the lid. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function in redirecting forces away from the membrane bond

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If filling is performed from below without a support structure, then the filling process remains simple, but significant peeling forces are exerted on the membrane bond

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilling efficiencyVSAvoidmembrane bond integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure acts as a mediator during the filling process, intercepting and redirecting the forces generated by bottom filling. The support section contacts the membrane and transfers loads through the stretcher section to the lid, preventing direct transmission of peeling forces to the membrane bond while allowing continuous efficient filling

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure is pre-installed in the container before filling begins. This preliminary placement ensures that the force-redistribution mechanism is already in position to protect the membrane bond during the entire filling operation, without requiring modification to the filling process itself

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Speed

If excess pressure is applied during filling, then filling speed increases, but additional force on the membrane exacerbates bond failure risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilling speedVSAvoidmembrane bond integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure serves as a force-redistribution intermediary that handles both dynamic filling forces and static pressure loads. During pressurized filling, the support section contacts the membrane and transfers pressure-induced forces through the stretcher section to the lid, preventing concentration of stresses at the membrane bond interface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure provides a counterbalancing mechanism for pressure forces. By anchoring to the lid and contacting the membrane, it creates a force pathway that opposes and balances the outward pressure forces during filling, reducing the net stress on the membrane bond

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

4Force

If the membrane bond must withstand high peeling forces, then bond strength requirements increase, but stronger bonds are more difficult to achieve and maintain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce resistance at membrane bondVSAvoidbonding process
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is a force-redistribution intermediary that transforms the load regime at the membrane bond from high peeling forces to reduced and more favorably oriented forces. This mechanical intervention reduces the bonding requirements, making the bonding process more achievable and reliable without requiring exceptional bond strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3583047B1Container having a supporting structure between a closure membrane and lid
Publication Date: 2025.04.16 TRIVIUM PACKAGING GRP NETHERLANDS BV
  • EP3583047B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3583047B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3583047B1 patent drawingFigure 3~3a

AI summary

Container having support for a membrane (30) which is sealed (by sealing means or adhesive bonding) onto the inner side (41) of the container wall (40) of the container, particularly while the container is being filled with contents or by virtue of a positive pressure being introduced. The intention is to relieve the sealing of the membrane of loading, wherein the action of force during the filling operation from beneath is advantageous or easily withstandable. For this purpose, the container is provided with the container wall (40), a container opening (2), a lid (10), the membrane (30) and a supporting structure (20). The lid (10) closes the container opening (2). A portion of a membrane collar (31) of the membrane (30) is fastened on a portion of the inner side (41) of the container wall (40), a fastening region (33) therefore being formed. The supporting structure (20) has a supporting portion (21) and a carrying portion (22). The supporting portion (21) is assigned to the membrane (30) and the carrying portion (22) is assigned to the lid (10).