Elastomer Pouch Closure Profiles for Snap Feedback and Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing re-closable pouches and containers made of elastomeric materials lack a simple, effective sealing mechanism that provides both auditory and tactile feedback, and are not suitable for rigorous applications, such as cooking, due to the transferability issues of thermoplastic bag sealing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A closure system comprising male and female profiles made entirely of elastomer, with alternating segments of different shapes, providing a unitary construction and enhanced auditory/tactile feedback through a snap mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple sealing structure is used, then ease of manufacture and device complexity are improved, but sealing reliability and auditory/tactile feedback are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element is divided into multiple segments with different profiles (first profile and second profile) that alternately engage with the container closure. This segmentation provides both simplicity in structure and reliability in sealing through the alternating engagement patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the closure element have different local qualities - the first profile portions provide one type of engagement while the second profile portions provide another type of engagement. This local differentiation ensures reliable sealing across the entire closure interface.
2Ease of manufacture
If thermoplastic bag sealing technology is used, then manufacturing efficiency and cost are improved, but adaptability to elastomeric materials and rigorous applications is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing mechanism is designed with parameters specifically adapted for elastomeric materials, including the alternating first and second profiles that account for the elastic properties of the material. This allows the closure to function reliably in rigorous applications like cooking while maintaining ease of manufacture.
3Reliability
If multiple pairs of opposing interlocking closure profiles are used, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple complete interlocking profiles, the invention segments the closure into alternating first and second profiles that engage with corresponding portions of the container closure. This segmentation maintains sealing reliability while reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The alternating profile design provides sufficient sealing engagement through partial engagement zones, eliminating the need for complete multiple pairs of interlocking profiles. This partial action approach achieves adequate sealing with reduced complexity.
4Reliability
If prior art sealing structures are used, then sealing capability is improved, but auditory/tactile feedback to users is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The alternating first and second profiles are designed to provide distinct auditory and tactile feedback during the closing operation. As the closure element engages with the container closure, the alternating profiles create noticeable sensory cues that confirm proper sealing to the user.
Solution Approach 2:
While not directly applying color changes, the invention uses analogous sensory differentiation - the alternating profiles create variations in sound and touch sensations that serve the same purpose as visual indicators, allowing users to detect proper closure through auditory and tactile feedback.
Data Source
AI summary
A container made entirely from an elastomer includes a body with a front wall and a rear wall that is connected to the front wall along a peripheral edge. The container further includes a closure system comprising a front side having a male closure profile that includes a male closure element and a rear side having a female closure profile. The female closure profile includes a female closure element and defines a cavity. A centerline extends through the cavity such that the female closure element is symmetrical about the centerline. The male closure element includes a head portion that has a primary profile and a secondary profile that extends from the primary profile. A height of the secondary profile measured in a direction that is perpendicular to the centerline is greater than a height of the primary profile measured in a direction that is perpendicular to the centerline.