Reclosable Metal Lid Vent Button for Easy Pressure Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container lids with vacuum or pressure release mechanisms are not easily activated and lack reliable tamper-proof indication, and they often require high torque for removal, which complicates the process.
Innovation Solution
A sheet metal lid with a vacuum or pressure release button featuring a progressive die-formed vent button, including a main score line and additional score lines to control pressure, and a sealant material with a lip portion that separates to create a small vent gap for pressure release, ensuring easy lid removal and resealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a vacuum or pressure release button is added to the lid, then the ease of lid removal is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is segmented into functional zones: a sealed rim portion for containment, a central button structure for pressure release, and score lines that divide the button into separable segments. This segmentation allows the pressure release function to be added without requiring complete redesign of the entire lid structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The score lines are pre-formed during lid manufacturing, creating predetermined fracture paths in advance. When pressure is applied to the button, these pre-formed score lines guide the separation process, making the pressure release action easier and more reliable without requiring complex mechanisms.
2Ease of manufacture
If the sheet metal thickness is minimized, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the structural strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The lid exhibits local quality variations: the rim portion maintains sufficient thickness for sealing strength, while the central button area incorporates score lines that create controlled weakness zones. This allows thin sheet metal to be used overall while maintaining structural integrity where needed and enabling pressure release where appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
The button structure is segmented by score lines that extend through at least 80% of the sheet metal thickness, creating distinct zones that can separate under pressure. This segmentation allows the use of thinner material while maintaining the ability to release pressure when needed.
3Reliability
If a visible tamper-proof indication is provided, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lid incorporates a colored inner coating on the bottom surface that serves as a visual indicator. When the score lines separate due to tampering or pressure release, the coating provides visible evidence of the state change, offering tamper-proof indication without requiring additional complex components.
Solution Approach 2:
The tamper-proof indication function is merged with the existing inner coating layer already present on the lid. The coating serves both as a protective layer and as a visual indicator when separated, combining multiple functions in a single element without increasing overall device complexity.
4Manufacturing precision
If additional score lines are formed in the flange portion, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple score lines are pre-formed during the progressive die manufacturing process at predetermined locations and depths. These pre-formed score lines ensure precise separation paths without requiring complex post-manufacturing operations or additional assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The score lines are designed with varying depths (with the main score line extending through at least 80% of thickness and additional lines at lesser depths) to create a dynamic separation sequence. This dynamic design allows controlled separation progression while maintaining manufacturing precision through the progressive die process.
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
Facilitates easy and controlled removal of the lid with reduced torque requirements and provides a visible tamper-proof indication, ensuring reliable vacuum or pressure release and resealing without distorting the lid's structure or inner coating.
Implementation Method 1
A main or first score or shear line is formed within the flange portion adjacent the bottom of the side wall portion, and a small portion of the score line is formed to produce a small vent gap in response to a limited pressure on the top wall of the button
Implementation Method 2
These sheet metal portions also limit the small vent gap. When the button is released, the sealant recontacts the inner surface of the flange portion of the button due to spring hinge action produced by the sheet metal portions at the opposite ends of the main score line
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet metal lid has a rim portion removably secured and sealed to a container and the lid includes a vent button having a top wall portion surrounded by a side wall portion and an outwardly projecting flange portion. The flange portion of the button has a short arcuate score or shear line extending substantially into the sheet metal, and additional score lines extend into the flange portion at lesser depths to protect a coating on the inner surface of the lid. A resilient sealant material may be bonded to the inner surface of the vent button, and the opposing sheet metal portions of the score line form a small gap for releasing a vacuum or pressure from the container in response to a controlled downward pressure on the top wall portion of the vent button.