Food Container with Composite Oxygen Barrier Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers for foodstuffs, particularly coffee, face issues with oxygen ingress due to non-barrier materials, pressure-related deformation, and aroma loss, leading to reduced shelf life and quality.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a central body and bottom made of multi-layered flexible material, with a rigid upper ring and lower ring, and a lid with an integrated oxygen barrier, using induction welding and a pressurization method to maintain super-pressure, ensuring a tight seal and optimal preservation conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid upper ring made of non-barrier material (PP) is used to attach the lid, then the structural strength and ease of manufacture are improved, but oxygen ingress increases leading to reduced shelf life
Solution Approach 1:
The upper ring is constructed as a composite structure with an inner ring made of oxygen-barrier material (such as aluminum or EVOH) and an outer ring made of structural material (PP). This composite design combines the oxygen-blocking properties of the inner ring with the mechanical strength and ease of manufacturing of the outer ring, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural strength and oxygen barrier performance.
2Reliability
If multi-joined flexible material with 3-4 layers is used for the central body, then the oxygen barrier is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies oxygen barrier properties locally rather than uniformly throughout the entire container. The oxygen-barrier material is specifically applied to the upper ring (which is exposed to atmosphere and becomes a preferential oxygen entry channel) and the lid, while the central body can use simpler multi-joined flexible material. This localized application of barrier properties reduces overall device complexity while maintaining effective oxygen protection where it is most needed.
3Stress or pressure
If a venting valve is provided on the bottom to allow air escape, then pressure control is improved, but aroma loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The venting valve is modified to change its operational parameters - specifically, it is designed to open at higher pressure thresholds (e.g., above 2-3 atmospheres) rather than at atmospheric pressure. This parameter change allows the valve to maintain the pressurized environment needed for aroma preservation while still providing pressure relief when absolutely necessary, thus resolving the contradiction between pressure control and aroma loss.
4Reliability
If the container is filled with inert pressurized gas to preserve foodstuff, then shelf life is extended, but the risk of over-pressurization and deformation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container design incorporates beforehand cushioning measures including: (1) The composite upper ring structure that provides reinforced pressure resistance at the lid attachment area; (2) The venting valve pre-set to open at specific pressure thresholds to prevent over-pressurization; and (3) The multi-layer flexible material construction that provides structural flexibility and pressure distribution. These pre-built protective features allow the container to safely maintain the pressurized inert gas environment needed for extended shelf life while preventing deformation through built-in pressure management 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 container effectively prevents oxygen ingress, maintains product integrity and aroma, and extends shelf life beyond 12 months while preventing deformation and aroma loss, ensuring a fresher and higher-quality food product.
Implementation Method 1
multi-joined flexible material consisting of the following 4 layers: OPP 30-40μ; PET 12μ; Alu 8μ; PP 70-90μ
Implementation Method 2
the longitudinal edges of the central body: induction welding
Implementation Method 3
the inner volume of the latter is filled with inert, pressurized gas
Implementation Method 4
the bottom to the central body: ultrasound welding
Data Source
AI summary
A container for foodstuffs includes a central body made of flexible material, a bottom associated to a lower end of the central body, and a lid attached to an upper end of the central body by an upper ring made of rigid plastic material. The container also comprises a lower ring also made of rigid plastic material, which makes the bottom solid with the central body.