Co-injected Frangible Membrane for Leak-Proof Cosmetic Caps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing jar sealing systems fail to prevent product leakage under hot climate conditions and lack a tamper-evident mechanism, especially for cosmetic products like cold cream or petrolatum.
Innovation Solution
A frangible membrane is co-injection molded with the cap closure, featuring a V-shaped outer border and a removable section with a pull tab, allowing easy opening while providing a secure seal and evidence of tampering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional cap closure is used, then the device complexity is low, but the seal reliability fails under hot climate conditions causing product leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is integrally molded with the cap closure, combining the sealing function and tamper-evident function into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate sealing mechanisms while providing reliable sealing under hot climate conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
A plastic membrane is used as the sealing element, which provides flexible sealing capability. The membrane can conform to the container mouth and maintain seal integrity under temperature variations, preventing product leakage while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
2Reliability
If a secure seal is implemented, then the product integrity is improved, but the ease of operation for opening becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is divided into a fixed portion integrally molded with the cap closure and a removable portion that can be torn away. The frangible connection allows the membrane to be easily separated into these segments when opening is required, while maintaining integrity during storage and transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane is pre-positioned to seal the container mouth and the frangible connection is pre-formed. When opening is needed, the user simply pulls the membrane away from the pivot point, and the frangible connection automatically breaks, providing easy opening without compromising prior security.
3Reliability
If a tamper-evident mechanism is added, then the security against tampering is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tamper-evident function is merged with the sealing function in the single membrane component. The frangible connection that enables easy opening also serves as the tamper-evident mechanism, as any attempt to open the container will break this connection and leave visible evidence.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides sealing of the container mouth, acts as a tamper-evident mechanism through its frangible connection, and enables easy opening via the pull tab. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function.
4Ease of operation
If a frangible connection is used for easy opening, then the ease of operation is improved, but the seal reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane has different properties in different regions: the majority of the membrane maintains strong sealing properties, while only a specific frangible connection region is designed to break easily. This local differentiation allows easy opening without compromising overall seal reliability during storage and transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane is segmented into a fixed sealed portion and a removable portion connected by a frangible joint. The segmentation allows the seal to remain intact during normal conditions while enabling easy separation when opening is required, maintaining both reliability and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A container is provided which includes a container body, a cap closure and a plastic membrane. The container body has a receiving area capable of holding a product. An open mouth surrounds the receiving area. A cap closure is arranged over the open mouth. The cap closure includes a fitment engageable around the mouth and a lid hingedly connected to the fitment. The plastic membrane is integrally molded with the cap closure and sealingly prevents leakage from the receiving area. The membrane includes a minor area non-frangibly attached to the fitment having a V-shaped outer border with sections of the border converging to a pivot point, and a major area tangibly attached along its perimeter to the fitment and to the V-shaped outer border. A pull tab is formed on a surface of the membrane at the pivot point.