Multilayer Peelable Membrane for Resealable Metal Ends
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional membranes for containers with metal ends are not resealable, leading to unnecessary waste and increased production costs due to the need for disposable overcaps to reclose the container.
Innovation Solution
A peelable and resealable membrane system comprising multiple layers, including a tacky layer and a heat seal layer, which can be permanently sealed to a metal end, allowing the membrane to be peeled back for access and resealed without an overcap, utilizing coextrusion and lamination techniques for manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional peelable membrane is used to close the metal end opening, then the container can be opened easily by peeling, but the membrane cannot be resealed and requires a disposable overcap
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane incorporates a tacky layer that changes its adhesive properties through temperature variation. During sealing, heat activates the tacky layer to bond with the metal end. During opening, cooling reduces tackiness allowing clean peeling. This parameter change enables the membrane to be both peelable and resealable without requiring disposable overcaps, eliminating waste while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane is constructed as a composite structure with multiple functional layers: an outer layer providing structural integrity, a tacky layer enabling reversible adhesion, and a heat seal layer providing permanent sealing capability. This composite material design allows the single membrane to perform multiple functions - initial sealing, easy opening through peeling, and resealing - eliminating the need for disposable overcaps and reducing waste.
2Reliability
If a disposable overcap is used to reclose the container after opening, then the container can be reclosed, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is designed as a multi-functional component that performs initial sealing, allows easy opening through controlled peeling, and enables resealing through the tacky layer's adhesive properties. This universal design eliminates the need for separate disposable overcaps, reducing production costs while maintaining reliable reclosing capability through the membrane's inherent resealable properties.
3Ease of operation
If the membrane is made completely removable for opening, then access to container contents is achieved, but the membrane cannot be resealed onto the metal end
Solution Approach 1:
The tacky layer's adhesive strength is modulated through temperature parameter changes. When cooled, the tacky layer maintains strong adhesion to the metal end for reliable sealing. When heated during the peeling process, the tacky layer's adhesion decreases allowing complete removal for access to contents. Upon cooling and resealing, adhesion is restored, enabling reliable resealing while maintaining ease of access.
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 membrane system effectively reduces waste and production costs by enabling resealing of the container without an overcap, maintaining a reliable seal during handling and storage while allowing easy opening and reclosure.
Implementation Method 1
The membrane is sealed to the metal end (such as via a heat seal) so as to cover the opening defined in the metal end
Implementation Method 2
a tacky layer, wherein the tacky layer is bonded to the outer layer... and wherein the tacky layer allows the peelable membrane to be resealable onto the metal end
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises a peelable membrane for resealably closing a metal end comprising an outer layer, a tacky layer, and a heat seal layer. The heat seal layer is permanently sealed to the metal end to cover at least one opening in the metal end. The tacky layer causes the peelable membrane to be resealable onto the metal end.