Elastic Cover Closure for Reversible Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional closure devices for internally pressurized containers, such as beverage cans, are not reversible, leading to an irreversible opening process, which prevents the container from being sealed again after initial opening.
Innovation Solution
A closure device featuring an elastically deformable cover that can be shifted between two operating positions, with a peripheral edge section undercutting the container opening to form complementary sealing surfaces, and an actuating mechanism for applying force to deform the cover, along with a ventilation duct closed by a valve device, allowing for reversible sealing and easy handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional closure element is pressed against internal pressure into the container interior to achieve opening, then the closure element can be opened, but the opening process becomes irreversible and the container cannot be closed again
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element is designed with elastic deformability, allowing it to dynamically change shape between sealed and opened states. The element can be deformed outward by internal pressure to open, then elastically returns to its original position to reseal, enabling reversible operation without complex mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure element utilizes changes in its physical state through elastic deformation. By applying force to exceed the elastic limit temporarily, the element opens; when the force is removed, it elastically returns to its original configuration, automatically resealing the container. This parameter change enables reversible sealing.
2Ease of operation
If the closure element is designed to be removable from the opening for consumption, then the consumer can access the contents, but the closure element becomes more difficult to design for internally pressurized containers
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element performs multiple functions automatically through its elastic properties. It self-seals when inserted, self-opens when internal pressure exceeds the elastic retention force, and self-resesals when the pressure is released. This eliminates the need for complex locking mechanisms, levers, or multiple components, achieving removability with minimal design complexity.
3Reliability
If the cover is designed to extend over a large area to form sealing surfaces, then gas-tight and liquid-tight sealing is achieved, but the overall height of the closure device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element is designed as a thin, elastic membrane or shell that can deform to form sealing surfaces. This flexible structure achieves gas-tight and liquid-tight sealing through its ability to conform to the container opening and deform under pressure, while maintaining a compact overall height compared to rigid sealing mechanisms.
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
The solution provides a reversible, gas-tight, and liquid-tight closure system that can withstand internal pressure, facilitating easy opening and re-closure, and is adaptable to various container shapes and materials, enhancing stackability and handling during storage and transportation.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically deformable cover that extends over a large area, which can be brought into at least two operating positions or situations
Implementation Method 2
a means for ventilating the container, which comprises a ventilation duct which can be closed by a valve device
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c
AI summary
The aim of the invention is to create a reversible closure for containers that are impinged upon by an internal pressure. Said aim is achieved by a closure mechanism (200) comprising a moldable, expandable, planarly extending cover (205) which can be brought into at least two operating positions. The cover is configured for opening the container in a first operating position while undercutting the entire circumference of the opening of the container by means of a circumferential edge area (222) in a second operating position such that the undercutting zone (33) forms a sealing area on the cover and the undercut zone forms a complementary sealing area on the container in order to close the opening in a gas-tight and liquid-tight manner. The inventive closure mechanism further comprises an actuatable means (260) for applying a force to the cover so as to mold the cover in such a way that the same can be shaped from one of the two operating positions into the other operating position.