Metal Container Bead with Notch for Vacuum Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing metal container designs with screw threads for closures often damage internal coatings and require complex manufacturing processes, while vacuum-sealed containers with press-on caps face challenges in filling speed and seal integrity.
Innovation Solution
A metal container body with a rolled annular bead featuring depressions or protrusions, where a releasable closure with an annular sealing compound is held by a partial vacuum, eliminating the need for screw threads and allowing easy cap removal by twisting, reducing manufacturing complexity and material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw threads are formed on the container neck for closure connection, then the closure can be securely fastened, but the internal coatings of the container are damaged and manufacturing becomes very difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the screw thread feature from the container design entirely. Instead of forming threads on the container neck, the closure uses a press-on mechanism with a sealing compound that creates a seal against the smooth container rim, eliminating the manufacturing difficulty and coating damage associated with thread formation while maintaining secure closure fastening
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical screw thread engagement system with a vacuum-based retention system. The closure is held in place by vacuum pressure differential rather than mechanical threading, and the seal is formed through compression of a sealing compound against the container rim rather than thread engagement, thereby eliminating manufacturing complexity
2Ease of manufacture
If a press-on cap closure is used held solely by vacuum, then manufacturing is simplified, but the closure requires a vacuum release means and tear-out inserts adding complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the vacuum release means and tear-out insert components from the closure design. The closure structure consists simply of the cap body with sealing compound, eliminating the need for separate vacuum release mechanisms and plastic inserts that complicate the closure structure
Solution Approach 2:
The closure uses the vacuum pressure differential itself to both seal and hold the closure in place, without requiring separate vacuum release mechanisms. The sealing compound deforms under vacuum pressure to create both the seal and the retention force, making the vacuum pressure serve multiple functions simultaneously
3Reliability
If screw threads are used for closure connection, then secure fastening is achieved, but manufacturing difficulty increases and coating damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the screw thread feature that causes coating damage. The closure contacts the container through a smooth rim surface with a sealing compound, eliminating the abrasive thread formation process that damages internal coatings while maintaining reliable seal integrity through the compliant sealing material
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a flexible sealing compound (such as silicone or rubber) that deforms to conform to the container rim surface, creating a reliable seal without requiring rigid mechanical engagement like threads. This flexible seal protects the container coating from damage while maintaining seal integrity
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
This design simplifies manufacturing, reduces material usage, minimizes foreign matter ingress, lowers opening torque, and enhances food safety by eliminating thread-related issues, while maintaining a secure seal during filling and storage.
Implementation Method 1
the sealing material being such that it is cured before the filling process but softened during the filing and capping process by steam in a head space above a food product
Implementation Method 2
There is a partial vacuum within the container body so that the closure is held on the container body by virtue of the partial vacuum formed in the container body during production of the filled container
Implementation Method 3
as the steam condenses, a partial vacuum is formed in the container above the head space which acts to hold the closure firmly in place on the container body
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A metal container body 1 comprises a base and a generally cylindrical side wall 3. The top edge of the cylindrical side wall is rolled over to form a hollow annular bead 5 surrounding the upper open end of the container body and a notch 6 is formed at a circumferential point in the annular bead. The container body is for use with a releasable closure 2 formed with an end wall 7 and a depending skirt 8 and having an annular layer of sealing material 9 provided on the inside of the end wall adjacent the skirt. When the closure is pressed onto the container body, the annular bead engages the annular layer of sealing material and some of that material extends into the notch 6. The closure is held on the container only by the partial vacuum formed therein during processing of a food product in the container. After processing, the user opens the container by rotating the closure. Sealing material in the notch forces the closure to lift off from the container to break the seal and release the closure.