Resealable Adhesive Torque Retention for Leak Prevention
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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.
Innovation Solution
A resealable hot melt adhesive is applied to the threads or surfaces of container closure members, providing a removal torque of 4 to 20 in-lb and resealability torque of 2 to 15 in-lb, allowing for secure sealing and easy hand-opening without additional liners or gaskets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If higher initial application torque is applied to compensate for back-off torque, then the seal reliability is improved, but the container or equipment may be damaged or consumers cannot open the container with hand force
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical-chemical parameters of the adhesive by using a two-stage curing mechanism: initial rapid curing provides immediate seal strength to prevent back-off, while secondary slower curing maintains bond integrity without excessive torque buildup, enabling both reliable sealing and hand-openability
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive exhibits dynamic mechanical properties where its bond strength evolves over time through two-stage curing, allowing the seal to be strong initially to prevent back-off during transport, then remain maintainable through controlled adhesion that permits consumer opening with hand force
2Reliability
If additional gaskets, liners, or seals are added to prevent leaks, then the seal reliability is improved, but the cost, complexity, and carbon footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the sealing function and the torque-retention function into a single adhesive component applied to the closure threads, eliminating the need for separate gaskets, liners, and induction seals that would otherwise be required to prevent leaks and back-off
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides leak prevention by sealing the closure-container interface, maintains application torque to prevent back-off during storage and transport, and enables consumer opening with hand force, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate components
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 maintains a high level of torque retention (40% to 100%) and prevents leaks, reducing the need for extra seals, thus minimizing costs and carbon footprint while ensuring leak-proof containers.
Implementation Method 1
The resealable adhesive is a hot melt 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.