Pressurized Container Lid Opening Using Inflatable Tear Element
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container opening mechanisms struggle to efficiently open lids under pressure, particularly when submerged in liquids, due to the need to overcome environmental pressure, added liquid mass, and drag forces, while also preventing damage from pressure differences and ensuring rapid operation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a flexible element connected to the container, a pressure-regulating subsystem with sensors and a controller, and a device to increase internal pressure, allowing the flexible element to inflate and tear, thereby opening the lid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a mechanical opening mechanism is used to open the lid, then the structure can be simple, but it cannot overcome the environmental pressure and drag forces effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical opening mechanisms with a pneumatic system. A compressor delivers compressed air through a valve into the container interior, generating internal pressure that overcomes external environmental pressure and drag forces to open the lid automatically. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical linkages while providing sufficient opening force.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic pressure from a compressor to open the container lid. Compressed air is introduced into the container through a valve, creating internal pressure that exceeds external pressure and drag forces, thereby forcing the lid open without requiring complex mechanical opening mechanisms.
2Speed
If the lid is opened rapidly to overcome drag force, then opening speed increases, but pressure difference causes damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary pressure equalization before lid opening. The compressor gradually increases internal pressure to match external environmental pressure, eliminating pressure differential. Only after pressure equalization does the system enable rapid lid opening, preventing damage from sudden pressure changes while maintaining fast opening speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a valve to control and cushion the pressure increase process. The valve regulates compressed air delivery, gradually building internal pressure to match external pressure before lid release. This cushioning approach prevents sudden pressure differential damage while preparing the system for rapid opening.
3Force
If pressure is increased rapidly to overcome environmental pressure, then opening force is sufficient, but component damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic or controlled action through the valve to deliver compressed air. Rather than instantaneous full-pressure release, the valve controls air delivery in a regulated manner, gradually building opening force to the required level while preventing sudden shock loads that could damage components.
4Reliability
If a sealing mechanism is added to prevent pressure loss, then sealing performance improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lid itself serves as the sealing element. The design utilizes the lid's inherent properties and its interaction with the container opening to maintain sealing during pressurization and opening operations. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate, complex mechanical sealing subsystems while maintaining reliable sealing performance.
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
Enables rapid and reliable opening of containers under pressure, overcoming environmental forces and preventing pressure differences, with minimal damage and pressure loss, achieving fast operation in milliseconds.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure-regulating subsystem suitable to produce an increase of pressure inside said container up to a value that causes the inflation of said flexible element
Implementation Method 2
a flexible element suitable to be connected to said container, and suitable to be inflated
Implementation Method 3
produce an increase of pressure inside said container up to a value that causes the inflation of said flexible element and its tearing
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an opening system for a container that is closed with a lid, which is located under pressure. The system includes a) an arrangement suitable to allow the opening of said lid of said container; b) a flexible element suitable to be connected to said container, and suitable to be inflated; and c) a pressure-regulating subsystem suitable to produce an increase of pressure inside said container up to a value that causes the inflation of said flexible element and its tearing.