Multi-Layer Induction Seal with Slit Scoring for Scent Permeation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current seals for containers do not allow for effective scent permeation while maintaining barrier properties to prevent leakage, leading to issues like pressure build-up, contamination, and reduced shelf life, and are not cost-effective for commercial use.

Innovation Solution

A one-piece, multi-layer induction seal with strategically placed slits that allow scent permeation without compromising the seal's integrity, preventing leakage and contamination, and maintaining barrier properties by scoring slits through fewer than all layers of the seal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a hermetic seal is used to prevent leakage and maintain barrier properties, then product protection and shelf life are improved, but scent permeation is blocked and consumers cannot smell the product

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct protectionVSAvoidscent permeation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The seal is divided into multiple functional layers: a barrier layer for leakage prevention, a scent permeation layer with micropores for aroma transmission, and an induction layer for sealing. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without compromising the others.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the seal have different properties: the barrier layer provides hermetic sealing in critical areas, while the scent permeation layer with controlled micropores allows aroma transmission in specific zones, creating local functional differentiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If a hermetic seal is used to prevent leakage, then product contamination is prevented, but pressure build-up occurs due to limited air flow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontamination preventionVSAvoidpressure build-up

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The scent permeation layer incorporates microporous material that allows controlled air flow and pressure equalization while maintaining the overall barrier function. The micropores are sized to permit gas molecules through while blocking liquid product.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

3Ease of operation

If no seal is used to allow scent permeation, then consumers can smell the product, but leakage and contamination risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescent permeationVSAvoidleakage prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The seal uses a thin-film construction with multiple layers that maintains flexibility and conformability to the container opening while providing both barrier and permeation functions. The thin-film structure allows scent transmission while the multi-layer design prevents leakage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Stress or pressure

If venting seals are used to address pressure build-up, then pressure equalization is improved, but scent permeation capability is insufficient for cost-effective consumer sampling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure equalizationVSAvoidscent permeation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The seal combines multiple materials with different properties: a barrier material for leakage prevention, a microporous material for scent permeation and pressure equalization, and an induction material for sealing. This composite structure achieves both pressure equalization and effective scent permeation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

Enables consumers to sample the scent of products without opening the container, maintaining product integrity and extending shelf life, while being cost-effective and compatible with various container types and substances.

Implementation Method 1

a scent permeation layer formed from a microporous material that allows the scent or aroma to permeate through the seal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 2

an induction layer that bonds to the container opening... The seal can be made by heat induction sealing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Data Source

PatentUS9834331B2Scent permeation container seal, container including said seal and methods of making said seal and said container

Publication Date: 2017.12.05 TEKNI PLEX INC

AI summary

A seal for containers is provided that allows the scent or aroma from the substance within the container to come through, while preventing leakage of the substance from within the container and/or physical contact of the substance by the consumer. More particularly, a seal is provided having at least one slit scoring fewer than all of the layers of the seal. The slit(s) will allow a consumer to sniff the scent or aroma released through the slit, while the seal remains secured to the container, extending shelf life of the substance, and preventing leakage, as well as, contamination, damage and/or reduced volume caused by consumers sampling the products.