Elastomeric Container Integrated Seal Pressure Shield
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealable bags and containers face challenges in providing a strong, leak-resistant seal without the need for external clasps or additional mechanical components, especially when subjected to internal pressures from contents like liquids or when dropped, due to the limitations of elastomer-based seals and the inefficacies of prior designs that require extra material and complex manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A shaped elastomeric container with an integrated leak-resistant seal and pressure shield, where the pressure shield enhances the seal's leak resistance by distributing pressure across a larger area, significantly increasing the container's ability to maintain closure under external forces without adding material to the seal's engaging portions, and utilizing thicker press-fit elements and geometrically designed protrusions and cavities to enhance sealing force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external mechanical clasps or additional tightening mechanisms are added to enhance sealing force, then leak resistance is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing function and the tightening function into a single integrated seal structure. The seal includes an engaging portion with protrusions and cavities that interlock, and a pressing portion that applies sealing force, eliminating the need for separate external clasps or tightening mechanisms while maintaining leak resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The seal structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the sealing barrier, applies sealing force through its pressing portion, and maintains structural integrity through its interlocking engaging portions. This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate components
2Reliability
If thicker seal ridges are used to increase sealing force, then leak resistance is improved, but the seal becomes harder to open and close
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is designed with dynamic characteristics where the pressing portion can deform elastically under compression to provide strong sealing force, but can be easily deformed again when opening force is applied. The geometric design of the pressing portion allows it to flex outward when force is applied to open the container, reducing the force needed to open while maintaining strong sealing when closed
3Reliability
If more material is added to the seal to increase sealing area and force, then leak resistance is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to extrusion imperfections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the seal, specifically designing the pressing portion with optimized curvature and thickness distribution. The pressing portion has a rounded outer surface with specific radius of curvature that distributes stress evenly, reducing sensitivity to thickness variations from extrusion imperfections while maintaining effective sealing force
4Quantity of substance
If the seal is made smaller to reduce material usage, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but sealing force decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal design concentrates the sealing function in a localized pressing portion with optimized geometry rather than distributing thin sealing ridges across a large area. The pressing portion is locally thickened and shaped to maximize sealing force in the critical sealing zone while keeping the overall seal compact and minimizing total material usage
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 achieves at least a 300% to 400% improvement in leak resistance with minimal additional material, making the container more durable, reusable, and easier to clean, while maintaining a strong seal even when inverted or subjected to significant drops.
Implementation Method 1
the pressure shield enhances the seal's leak resistance by distributing pressure across a larger area
Implementation Method 2
A shaped elastomeric container with an integrated leak resistant seal
Data Source
AI summary
A container made of an elastomer such as silicone with an integrated leak resistant seal and pressure shield. The seal incorporates press-fit elements with sizes and shapes sufficient to provide a strong seal that resists leakage of liquids from inside the container. The seal is integrated into the container and requires no external clips or clasps. The pressure shield increases leak resistance by at least 300% and is formed by adding material to the inside of the container and not to the engaging portions of the seal and works by deflecting pressure away from the two leak resistant seal portions. Additional features are provided to facilitate opening such as extended flaps for pulling the sides open, and asymmetric cavities for press-fit elements to reduce the initial opening force. The container itself may be of asymmetrical shape, such as trapezoidal, to provide a wide opening along with a strong seal.