Peelable Resealable Membrane for Metal Ends Without Overcaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional membranes used to seal metal ends of containers are not resealable, leading to unnecessary waste and increased production costs.
Innovation Solution
A peelable and resealable membrane is developed, comprising an outer layer, a tacky layer, and a heat seal layer, which can be initially sealed to a metal end, peeled back for access, and then resealed without the need for an overcap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional membranes are used to seal metal ends of containers, then the membrane can be peeled back to access the container opening, but the membrane cannot be resealed and requires an overcap, producing unnecessary waste and increasing production costs
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane incorporates a tacky layer with specific adhesive properties that allow it to be permanently sealed to the metal end initially, then peeled back, and subsequently resealed multiple times. The tacky layer's adhesive parameters enable both permanent attachment and reversible peeling, eliminating the need for disposable membranes and overcaps.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane is constructed as a composite structure with multiple layers including an outer layer, a tacky layer, and a heat seal layer. This composite design combines materials with different properties: the outer layer provides structural integrity, the tacky layer enables permanent sealing and resealing, and the heat seal layer facilitates initial sealing to the metal end, collectively solving the waste and cost issues.
2Ease of operation
If conventional membranes are used to seal metal ends of containers, then the membrane can be initially sealed and peeled back, but it requires an additional overcap for reclosing, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is designed to perform multiple functions: initial sealing to the metal end, peeling back for access, and repeated resealing without requiring an overcap. The tacky layer and heat seal layer work together to provide both permanent attachment and reversible peeling capabilities, making the membrane a multi-functional component that eliminates the need for additional reclosing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane integrates the sealing function and the reclosing function into a single component. By combining the tacky layer's permanent sealing capability with the heat seal layer's initial sealing capability, the membrane itself serves as both the initial seal and the reclosing mechanism, eliminating the need for a separate overcap and reducing overall device complexity.
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 allows for repeated opening and closing of the container, reducing waste and production costs, while maintaining a secure seal.
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.