Loaded-Seal Closure Cap for Anaerobic Beverage Refilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure caps for carbonated beverages fail to maintain carbonation and freshness due to oxygen ingress, single-use nature, and inability to reseal effectively, compromising beverage quality and consumer appeal.
Innovation Solution
A closure cap with an integrated loaded-seal assembly that allows for airtight sealing and controlled filling/refilling under anaerobic conditions, featuring a movable sealing mechanism that adapts to maintain a tight seal and facilitate fluid communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a closure cap is designed for airtight sealing, then carbonation and freshness are preserved, but the cap cannot facilitate filling or refilling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The closure cap incorporates a movable sealing element that can transition between a first position (allowing fluid passage for filling) and a second position (providing airtight sealing). This dynamic mechanism resolves the contradiction by making the sealing capability conditional on the operational state rather than fixed, allowing the cap to adapt between filling and sealing functions.
2Ease of manufacture
If a closure cap is designed as single-use, then manufacturing is simple, but the cap cannot be reused for refilling
Solution Approach 1:
The closure cap is designed to perform multiple functions: initial sealing, filling operations, and refilling operations. The reusable design with a movable sealing element allows the same cap structure to serve both single-use and multi-use scenarios, eliminating the need for different cap designs for different application stages.
3Ease of operation
If oxygen is present in the container, then filling is easier, but oxidation occurs and shelf life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The closure cap system enables filling operations under controlled anaerobic conditions by providing a mechanism to exclude oxygen during the filling process. The movable sealing element allows the container to be sealed around a filling tube, creating an oxygen-excluding environment that prevents oxidation while still permitting controlled fluid introduction.
4Reliability
If the seal is made tight to prevent leakage, then carbonation is maintained, but the cap cannot allow fluid communication for filling
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing mechanism employs a movable element that dynamically adjusts the seal tightness based on operational requirements. During filling, the element positions to allow fluid communication; during storage, it positions to create a tight seal. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining leak prevention and enabling efficient filling operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a closure cap (100) for sealing and filling containers, wherein the closure cap comprises a lid (102) and a cap shell (104) extending from the lid, wherein the closure cap (100), in particular using a loaded-seal assembly (106), is configured to assume a closed state for sealing the container, and an open state for filling and/or refilling the container (200) from a tank under controlled conditions, preferably anerobic conditions. The present invention further relates to a method for filling the closure cap under controlled conditions.