Container Neck Venting Using Heated Ribs for Steam Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plastic containers for food packaging lack efficient venting mechanisms, particularly during manufacturing and filling with hot products, which can lead to pressure buildup and steam escape issues.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for manufacturing containers with vents using a heated rib to form vent pathways in the sealing surface, employing a tool with wedges to deform the surface and create vents, integrated with a conveyor and clamping system for precise alignment and automation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If containers are vented to release gas and steam during manufacturing and filling, then safety and performance under pressure are improved, but the sealing integrity and structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating vents only in specific localized areas of the container wall rather than throughout the entire structure. The venting features are formed at predetermined locations where they provide necessary pressure relief while leaving the rest of the container wall intact to maintain sealing integrity and structural strength. This is achieved through localized deformation or removal of material at specific positions during the molding process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs porous materials or porous structures by creating vent channels and pathways within the container wall that allow controlled passage of gas and steam. These venting features create a porous-like structure in the wall material at specific locations, enabling selective permeability that allows pressure relief while maintaining the overall integrity and sealing capability of the container body.
2Reliability
If vents are formed in the container wall during manufacturing, then pressure release capability is improved, but the manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by forming the venting features during the initial molding process rather than adding them as a separate subsequent step. The vents are created as integral parts of the container wall formation, utilizing the molding process itself to deform or remove material and create vent channels. This preliminary formation of vents during molding eliminates the need for additional post-processing equipment or operations, thereby reducing manufacturing process complexity while ensuring pressure management capability.
3Reliability
If the container wall is deformed to create vents, then venting functionality is improved, but the structural rigidity and vacuum resistance may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by limiting wall deformation to specific localized areas where vents are needed, while keeping the majority of the container wall undeformed and structurally intact. The deformation is confined to creating narrow vent channels or openings at predetermined locations, preserving the overall structural rigidity and vacuum resistance of the container body. The undeformed portions of the wall maintain their full strength and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the container wall into distinct functional zones: vented areas where deformation creates pressure relief pathways, and intact areas that maintain structural rigidity. This segmentation allows different regions of the wall to serve different functions - the vented zones provide pressure management while the intact zones provide structural support and vacuum resistance, thereby resolving the contradiction between venting functionality and structural stability.
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
Enables efficient venting of containers to manage internal pressure and steam release, ensuring safe handling and improved performance under high pressures and vacuum conditions, while maintaining minimal plastic weight and desirable physical properties.
Implementation Method 1
engaging the at least one heated rib with the neck to form at least one vent
Data Source
AI summary
A method for manufacturing a packaging container comprises the steps of molding an article having a selected configuration and including a body defining a volume, a neck and a dome; trimming the article to remove the dome to form a finished container; aligning the finished container with a device having at least one heated rib; and engaging the at least one heated rib with the neck to form at least one vent. Containers and systems are disclosed.