Metal Container Thread Forming for Tensioned Closure Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing metallic containers with threaded closures face issues such as loose engagement due to metal elasticity, leading to seal loss, tampering detection difficulties, and environmental waste, while bottles with external threads are expensive and prone to pressure-induced blowout.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for forming container threads by applying a first force to a threaded closure and a second force to the container neck, using tools with controlled movement to create a secure seal, accounting for metal elasticity and ensuring a tight engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sealing methods are used on metallic containers, then the container can be sealed, but the engagement between the container and closure is loose due to metal elasticity, causing seal loss and accidental opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a preliminary axial force to the closure during the sealing process, causing the closure to engage the container threads under tension before the metal springs back. This preliminary action ensures that the elastic recovery of the metal does not result in loose engagement, as the closure is already seated firmly on the threads under pre-applied load.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state or condition of the closure during sealing by applying axial force that alters the engagement parameters. The force changes the position and tension state of the closure relative to the container threads, ensuring proper engagement despite metal elasticity. This parameter change (applying force) compensates for the unstable property (elasticity).
2Reliability
If external threads are used on beverage bottles, then the bottles can be sealed with threaded closures, but the bottles are expensive to produce and prone to pressure-induced blowout
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of forming external threads on the container (traditional approach), the patent forms inwardly facing threads on the container opening. The closure has external threads that engage these inwardly facing threads. This inversion of the traditional threading approach eliminates the need for expensive external thread forming on the container while maintaining threaded engagement capability and pressure resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the location and orientation of the threads from external to inwardly facing, fundamentally altering the structural parameters of the container. This parameter change allows the container to resist pressure internally without requiring expensive external thread formation, as the inwardly facing threads provide sufficient engagement strength while being less costly to manufacture.
3Volume of moving object
If the diameter of the bore is increased in bottles with external threads, then larger products can be accommodated, but the closure cannot prevent pressure induced blowout or seal failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the threading configuration by using inwardly facing threads on the container instead of external threads. This allows the closure to engage the container walls from the inside, providing better support against pressure-induced blowout even with larger bore diameters. The inwardly facing threads distribute the engagement force more effectively across the container opening.
4Ease of operation
If the metallic container is sealed with a threaded closure using traditional methods, then the container can be reclosed, but the closure can be rotated easily in the closing direction, making it difficult to detect tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary axial force during sealing that creates a specific engagement state between the closure and container threads. This preliminary action sets the closure in a position where normal reclosing requires appropriate torque, but any attempt at tampering (such as improper rotation or removal and reattachment) would be detectable through changes in the engagement state or position.
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 provides a cost-effective, pressure-resistant, and resealable metallic container with improved consumer satisfaction, reducing waste and ensuring secure sealing.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic nature of the metal of the metallic container causes the threaded closure to only loosely engage threads of the metallic container
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2F
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to a container that may be sealed and reclosed with a threaded closure. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods of manufacturing a metallic container having an opening with inwardly facing threads. The threads are formed on the metallic container by pressing a neck portion of the metallic container against closure threads of a threaded closure which is inserted at least partially into the opening. The container threads may optionally be formed while the threaded closure is in tension. In this manner, after the container threads are formed, the closure threads can apply a force to the container threads such that the threaded closure is in tension. The container opening may be selectively sealed and reclosed with the threaded closure which releasably engages the container threads. Novel apparatus and methods of sealing metallic containers and forming threads on the metallic containers are also disclosed.