Flexible Diaphragm Closure for Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container closures often fail to provide a continuous seal, allowing air and liquid to escape, and can develop weak zones that fail under pressure, rendering them ineffective.
Innovation Solution
A container and closure assembly featuring an inner member, an outer member, and a flexible diaphragm positioned between them, which deflects to equalize internal pressure with external pressure without deforming the container, providing a leak-resistant seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vent opening is included to equalize pressure, then pressure equalization is improved, but seal continuity deteriorates allowing liquid leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible diaphragm membrane that can deflect and deform to allow pressure equalization while maintaining a continuous seal. The diaphragm acts as a flexible barrier that responds to pressure differential by deflecting toward the cap body when internal pressure exceeds external pressure, equalizing pressure without creating an opening that would allow liquid leakage.
2Reliability
If traditional vent closures are used to equalize pressure, then pressure equalization is improved, but structural strength deteriorates creating weak zones
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible diaphragm provides a uniform distribution of stresses across the closure structure, eliminating concentrated stress points and weak zones. The diaphragm's flexibility allows it to deform elastically under pressure, distributing loads evenly across the cap body and maintaining structural integrity throughout the closure assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The diaphragm serves as an intermediary element between the cap body and the container, mediating the pressure equalization function while preserving the strength of both components. It transfers and distributes pressure forces uniformly, preventing stress concentration that would otherwise create weak zones in traditional vent closure designs.
3Reliability
If heavier materials are used to prevent leakage and strengthen closure, then seal reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible diaphragm enables the use of lighter materials for the cap body while maintaining leak resistance. The diaphragm itself acts as the primary sealing element, allowing the cap body to be constructed from lighter materials without compromising seal integrity, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the functional parameters of the closure system by introducing a flexible membrane that provides sealing through its elastic properties rather than relying on heavy rigid structures. This parameter change allows for material optimization and cost reduction while maintaining or improving seal reliability.
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 effectively equalizes pressure within the container, maintains a leak-resistant seal, and allows for efficient material use and cost savings in manufacturing by using lighter materials.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible diaphragm may be operatively attached to the top of the annular wall of the inner member, and spaced apart from the cap body. In operation, the flexible diaphragm deflects toward the cap body when the pressure in the container increases. Conversely, the flexible diaphragm deflects toward the container when the pressure in the container decreases.
Data Source
AI summary
A closure with a flexible diaphragm that equalizes the internal pressure of a container to the external pressure. The closure may include an inner member having a generally cylindrical wall. The cylindrical wall may include internal threads capable of engaging with external threads of the container. The closure may also include an outer member including a generally circular cap body and an annular ring extending downward from the edges of the cap body. The annular ring shrouds at least a portion of the cylindrical wall. A flexible diaphragm may be operatively attached to the top of the cylindrical wall and spaced apart from the cap body. The flexible diaphragm deflects in response to the internal pressure of the container.