Induction Seal With Peripheral Metallic Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container seals face challenges in maintaining compatibility with the product when pierced, as certain materials used for sealing may come into contact with the contents, conflicting with the need to prevent ingress and egress.
Innovation Solution
A pierceable, induction sealable seal with multiple layers, including at least one metallic and one non-metallic layer, where the metallic layer is restricted to the periphery to facilitate induction sealing while remaining isolated from the product, and incomplete layers are designed to separate during piercing, ensuring compatibility by controlling the material contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the seal includes metallic layers for induction sealing, then the sealability to container rim is improved, but the product compatibility deteriorates due to direct contact upon piercing
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into multiple functional layers: a complete inner layer in direct contact with the product, and incomplete outer layers (including metallic layers) restricted to the periphery for induction sealing. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without compromising product compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the seal have different material compositions tailored to local requirements: the central region has product-compatible materials, while the peripheral region has induction-sealing capable materials including metals. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between sealability and product compatibility.
2Reliability
If the seal material provides strong sealing properties, then the prevention of ingress and egress is improved, but the ease of piercing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The seal layers are designed with different mechanical properties and bonding characteristics that allow them to remain strongly bonded during normal sealing, but separate easily during piercing. The incomplete outer layers can delaminate from the complete inner layer during the piercing process, facilitating easy opening while maintaining strong sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-layer structure with incomplete outer layers allows the seal to function as a unified strong barrier during sealing, but to segment and separate during piercing, resolving the contradiction between strong sealing and easy piercing.
3Reliability
If the metallic layer extends across the entire seal area, then the induction sealing capability is improved, but the product contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The metallic layer is restricted to the peripheral region of the seal where it is needed for induction sealing, while the central region in contact with the product uses non-metallic, product-compatible materials. This local differentiation eliminates contamination risk while preserving induction sealing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The metallic layer is extracted from the central product-contact region and placed only in the peripheral sealing region, removing the source of potential contamination while maintaining the induction sealing function where it is still required.
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 isolates incompatible seal materials from the product upon piercing, maintaining the seal's integrity and preventing contamination, while allowing induction sealing and easy access to the container contents.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the non-metallic layers is complete and in use extends across a container opening to seal it, in which the area over which the at least one of the metallic layers extends is restricted to the region of the periphery of the seal whereby to facilitate induction sealing to the opening
Data Source
AI summary
A pierceable, induction sealable seal for a container opening, the seal comprising a plurality of layers at least one of which is metallic and at least one of which is non-metallic, at least one of the non-metallic layers is complete and in use extends across a container opening to seal it. The area over which the at least one of the metallic layers extends is restricted to the region of the periphery of the seal whereby to facilitate induction sealing to the opening but to remain isolated from product in a container upon piercing of the seal.