Curved Can Lid Membrane Sterilization Pressure Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional can lids with a lid ring and a peelable closure membrane are limited in sterilization capabilities, particularly for food cans, as they can only be sterilized with controlled counter-pressure, restricting their application.
Innovation Solution
A closure membrane is sealed onto a lid ring with a sealing flange that encloses an acute angle with the lid plane, and the membrane is deep-drawn through a removal opening, allowing it to curve and move between two end positions, enhancing its sealing and sterilization resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a flat closure membrane is sealed onto a sealing flange lying in the lid plane, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the can can only be sterilized with controlled counter-pressure, restricting application
Solution Approach 1:
The closure membrane is formed with a curvature that allows it to accommodate pressure changes during sterilization. The curved geometry enables the membrane to expand and contract without creating wrinkles or compromising the seal, thus allowing standard sterilization processes to be used without controlled counter-pressure requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure membrane is designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing it to change shape in response to internal pressure variations during sterilization. This dynamic behavior enables the membrane to adapt to pressure changes, eliminating the need for controlled counter-pressure sterilization while maintaining seal integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the closure membrane is deep-drawn to become curved and displaceable, then sterilization capability is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The curvature of the closure membrane is pre-formed during the sealing process onto the angled sealing flange. This preliminary shaping action eliminates the need for additional complex forming steps later, as the membrane is already configured to accommodate pressure changes before the can undergoes sterilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing process is combined with the curvature formation process. By sealing the membrane onto the angled sealing flange and simultaneously forming the curvature through deep-drawing, two functions (sealing and shaping) are merged into one manufacturing step, reducing overall process complexity.
3Strength
If the sealing flange encloses an acute angle with the lid plane, then the closure membrane can withstand sterilization pressure, but the manufacturing process requires additional positioning steps
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing flange is angled relative to the lid plane, introducing a dimensional change that allows the closure membrane to accommodate pressure changes more effectively. This angular configuration provides the necessary geometric freedom for the membrane to expand and contract during sterilization without compromising the seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing flange is pre-positioned at the required acute angle before the closure membrane is sealed onto it. This preliminary positioning ensures that the membrane is immediately configured to withstand sterilization pressures, eliminating the need for additional positioning steps during subsequent manufacturing operations.
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 enables effective sterilization of canned contents by withstanding increased internal pressure during heating and maintaining a wrinkle-free state upon cooling, making the can lid suitable for sterilizable food cans.
Implementation Method 1
the closure membrane is deep-drawn through the removal opening becomes
Implementation Method 2
the curvature of the closure membrane being displaceable through the removal opening between two end positions
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for producing a can lid (10) comprising a lid ring (11) with an annular sealing flange (12) and a closing membrane (14) that is sealed onto the sealing flange (12) and can be peeled off the same. An inner edge (22) of the sealing flange (12) delimits a cross-sectional area (F) of an opening as an orifice (24), said cross-sectional area (F) defining a lid plane (E) and running perpendicular to an axis (z) of the lid ring, while an outer edge of the sealing flange (12) extends into a ring wall (18) which runs substantially perpendicular to the lid plane (E) and whose free end is shaped into an external flange (20) to join the can lid (10) to the edge of the opening of a can body (30). The sealing flange (12) encloses an acute angle alpha along with the lid plane (E) while the closing membrane (14) is curved above the orifice (24). The curvature of the closing membrane (14) through the orifice (24) can be moved between two final positions (A, B) which are essentially mirror-inverted relative to the cross-sectional area (F) of the orifice. According to the inventive method, a closing membrane is first sealed onto a lid ring (11 ) comprising a sealing flange (12) that lies on the lid plane (E). The lid ring (11 ) is then positioned along with the sealed-on closing membrane so as to enclose an acute angle alpha together with the lid plane (E). The closing membrane (14) is ultimately deep drawn through the orifice (24).