Magnetic Forming of Closure Members for Secure Container Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic forming methods are not suitable for forming closure members that can be subsequently applied to a container neck or closure body, limiting their versatility and application.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an induction coil generating a pulsed magnetic field to deform an electrically conductive tubular sleeve around a support member, allowing the formed closure member to be shaped and subsequently fitted onto a container neck or closure body, with optional vacuum sealing and frangible portions for easy opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnetic forming is used to deform a tubular sleeve around a support member, then the closure member can be securely attached to container necks, but the method must accommodate various closure shapes and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is designed with a movable support surface that can be positioned at different locations along the tubular sleeve during deformation. This dynamic adjustment allows the same magnetic forming apparatus to accommodate various closure shapes and sizes while maintaining secure attachment through consistent deformation mechanics
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic forming process parameters (current pulse duration, amplitude, and timing) are adjusted based on the specific closure geometry and material properties. This parameter optimization enables reliable attachment across different closure types while adapting to shape variability
2Ease of operation
If a frangible portion is incorporated for easy opening, then the closure can be opened simply, but the structural integrity during transport must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The frangible portion is designed with locally reduced thickness or modified material properties only at the specific breaking location, while the rest of the closure maintains full structural integrity. This localized weakness enables easy opening without compromising overall strength during transport and storage
3Reliability
If vacuum sealing is applied during formation, then the closure achieves tight sealing, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum sealing function is integrated into the magnetic forming apparatus itself, combining two operations (deformation and sealing) into a single process step. This eliminates the need for separate sealing equipment and reduces overall process complexity while achieving tight sealing
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 the formation of closure members with customizable shapes that can be securely attached to container necks or closure bodies, enhancing application versatility and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
an induction coil generating a pulsed magnetic field to deform an electrically conductive tubular sleeve
Implementation Method 2
When an electric current flows through this coil, a magnetic field forms, which encloses the element to be deformed, and therein induces eddy currents in its surface, which in turn generate a second magnetic field with a direction opposite to the first
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of forming a closure member comprises the steps of providing a support member with an outer support surface, providing a member comprising a first member made of electrically conductive material, the first member comprising a first tubular sleeve extending along a longitudinal direction between a first top end and a first bottom end, positioning the member on the support member, applying a magnetic field on the member to deform at least a portion of the first tubular sleeve around the support member to form a closure member, removing the formed closure member from the support member for subsequently fitting the formed closure member on a neck of a container or a closure body.