Membrane Seal with Pull Tab and Hinge Adhesive

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current sprinkler devices are expensive to produce and do not provide adequate sealing at the rim, leading to issues with humidity sensitivity when the lid is not immediately replaced.

Innovation Solution

A lid with a solid upper layer and a perforated lower layer connected by a hinge, featuring a reinforcing film with a tear-off tab and a sealing film, where the reinforcing film is secured to the sealing film with adhesive, allowing for repositioning and forming a seal without a stopper or capsule, and incorporating a conductive material for heat-sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a grid or perforated plate is covered with a film that is removed definitively, then the contents are protected during storage, but the structure becomes complex and expensive to produce

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing efficiencyVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is divided into two separable layers: an upper solid layer and a lower perforated layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently while simplifying the overall structure compared to traditional capsule or stopper designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the sealing function from a separate capsule or stopper and integrates it directly into the lid structure through the two-layer design with adhesive bonding, eliminating the need for additional components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If a capsule or stopper is used to cover the grid, then sealing is improved, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing efficiencyVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the sealing function and the lid structure into a single integrated component. The two layers of the lid work together with adhesive bonding to provide sealing, eliminating the need for separate capsules or stoppers and reducing production costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lid structure serves multiple functions: it provides sealing through the adhesive-bonded layers, allows for sprinkler operation through the perforated lower layer, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sealing components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the lid is made with completely separable layers, then ease of operation is improved, but humidity sensitivity increases when lid is not immediately replaced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of openingVSAvoidhumidity sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive bonding is designed to be strong enough to maintain sealing when the lid is temporarily removed, preventing humidity ingress. The bond is engineered to fail in a controlled manner during intentional opening, providing both protection and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 reduces production costs and enhances sealing efficiency, allowing the lid to function as both a seal and a sprinkler, while maintaining tamper-proof characteristics and preventing contact between the container contents and adhesive.

Implementation Method 1

the sealing film and the reinforcing film being secured to one another by means of an adhesive

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

the part of the lid provided with the tongue is provided on its lower face, opposite the zone at the level of which the tongue is located, with an adhesive preventing the definitive separation of the upper and lower parts of the lid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Implementation Method 3

the remaining part of the lower face, in particular the periphery, being provided with a repositionable adhesive

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRepositionable adhesive bonding: Adhesive

Implementation Method 4

the lid is heat-sealing by induction. To do this, it has, positioned between the reinforcing film and the sealing film, a sheet made of a dielectric material, in practice, an aluminum sheet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Data Source

PatentEP2230190B1Membrane seal provided with a pull tab for sealing a container
Publication Date: 2014.08.27 MFG GLE JOINTS
  • EP2230190B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4

AI summary

The seal (1) has a sealing film (12) comprising pre-pierced holes (7) on which a reinforcement film (4) is applied, where the film has a pull tab. The films are connected by an adhesive, so that a portion of the film is separated from the sealing film. A portion of the seal provided with the tab is provided with an adhesive in a lower face of the seal opposite to an area in which the tab is found. The adhesive prohibits definitive separation of upper and lower parts of the seal forming a hinge. Remaining portion i.e. periphery, of lower face is provided with repositionable adhesive. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a method of manufacturing a membrane seal (2) a joint comprising a support to be positioned at the bottom of a closure associated with membrane seal.