Push-Button Closure Score Line for Low-Force Vacuum Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container closures require excessive force to open due to large tear panels and are difficult to open under negative pressure conditions, such as when a vacuum is created in glass jars during cooling.
Innovation Solution
A container closure with a force concentrating construction that includes a limited container opening defined by a score line, where the score line is designed to separate the body portions by a minor distance, allowing for a concentrated force application, reducing the required opening force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a large tear panel is used in container closure, then the opening area is sufficient for access, but the force required to open the closure becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The tear panel is segmented into multiple smaller panels (first tear panel, second tear panel, third tear panel) distributed around the periphery of the closure. This segmentation allows the total opening area to be sufficient while each individual panel requires less force to separate, resolving the contradiction between large area and excessive force.
2Reliability
If a vacuum is created in glass jars during cooling, then the sterilization process is effective, but the closure becomes difficult to open
Solution Approach 1:
The closure is divided into multiple small tear panels around the periphery rather than one large panel. Under vacuum conditions, the distributed small panels require significantly less force to initiate separation compared to a large panel, making the closure easy to open while maintaining sterilization effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The score lines are positioned to create localized weak points at multiple locations around the closure periphery. These localized weaknesses concentrate the opening force at specific points, allowing easy initiation of panel separation even under vacuum pressure differential.
3Length of moving object
If the score line separates body portions by a large distance, then the opening is complete, but the force required to initiate separation is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The score lines are designed to separate the body portions by only a minor distance rather than complete separation. This partial action is sufficient to create an opening that allows atmosphere entry and relieves vacuum pressure, while requiring significantly less force than complete separation would demand.
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 force concentrating construction enables easy opening of container closures with minimal force, even under vacuum conditions, by allowing a small opening to allow atmosphere entry, thus reducing the engagement force between the lid and jar.
Implementation Method 1
a force concentrating construction disposed adjacent the limited container opening... the force concentrating construction enables easy opening of container closures with minimal force
Data Source
AI summary
A container closure includes a generally planar body having a product side and a customer side. The container closure body defines a limited container opening and an actuation location. Further, the container body includes a force concentrating construction disposed adjacent the limited container opening.