Resealable Adhesive for Threaded Closure Torque Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current container closure systems face issues with back-off torque loss during storage and transport, leading to leaks and increased costs due to the need for additional seals, which also contribute to a higher carbon footprint and complexity in packaging processes.
Innovation Solution
A resealable waterborne adhesive is applied to threaded or non-threaded container closure members, providing a removal torque of 4 to 20 in-lb and resealability torque of 2 to 15 in-lb, eliminating the need for additional liners and gaskets while maintaining leak-proof integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If higher initial application torque is applied to compensate for back-off torque, then seal reliability is improved, but container damage and equipment wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive is applied to the threaded member before engagement, creating a preliminary bonding layer that prevents back-off torque. This preliminary action eliminates the need for excessive application torque during closure, as the adhesive provides continuous protective bonding rather than relying solely on mechanical friction from high torque.
2Reliability
If additional gaskets and liners are added to prevent leaks, then seal reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides threadlocking to prevent back-off, creates a seal to prevent leaks, and bonds the closure to the container. This merging eliminates the need for separate gaskets, liners, and induction seals, reducing packaging complexity while maintaining or improving seal reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive composition serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as a threadlocking agent, sealing material, and bonding adhesive. This multi-functionality replaces several specialized components (gaskets, liners, induction seals) with a single universal solution that addresses all sealing and securing needs.
3Reliability
If additional seals and liners are added to prevent leaks, then seal reliability is improved, but carbon footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining threadlocking, sealing, and bonding functions into a single adhesive application, the number of separate components (gaskets, liners, induction seals) is reduced. This consolidation decreases material usage and simplifies manufacturing, directly reducing the carbon footprint associated with producing, transporting, and disposing of multiple packaging components.
4Reliability
If strong threadlocking adhesives are used to prevent back-off, then torque retention is improved, but hand-openability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive formulation uses specific parameters (solid content of 50-90%, viscosity of 900-1000 cP, pH of 4.5) to achieve optimal balance between torque retention and hand-openability. These parameter changes create an adhesive that provides sufficient bonding strength to prevent back-off while maintaining enough flexibility and controlled adhesion to allow manual opening by consumers.
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 resealable adhesive ensures containers remain sealed and leak-proof, reducing the carbon footprint and costs by allowing hand-openable closures without the need for additional seals, while maintaining effective torque retention and resealability.
Implementation Method 1
The resealable adhesive is a waterborne adhesive characterized as having (1) a removal torque of from about 4 to about 20 in-lb, measured in accordance to ASTM D2063; and (2) a resealability torque of from about 2 to about 15 in-lb, measured in accordance to ASTM D2063.
Data Source
AI summary
Adhesive compositions that replace gaskets and liners in sealing applications for packages that are detachable with hand force are described. The adhesive compositions are particularly useful in preventing leaks and spillage during storage and transport of its packaged contents. Advantageously, the adhesive composition provides packages with (1) a removal torque of from about 4 to about 20 in-lb and (2) resealable torque on subsequent openings of from about 2 to about 15 in-lb, measured in accordance to ASTM D2063.