Peelable Resealable Membrane for Metal Container Ends
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional membranes affixed to metal ends of containers are not resealable, leading to unnecessary waste and increased production costs due to the need for disposable overcaps to reclose containers.
Innovation Solution
A peelable and resealable membrane comprising layers such as an outer layer, a tacky layer, and a heat seal layer, where the heat seal layer is permanently bonded to the metal end, allowing the membrane to be peeled back for access and resealed without an overcap, utilizing a method involving coextrusion and lamination with adhesive layers for secure bonding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional membranes are used to close container openings, then the membrane can be peeled back to access the container, but the membrane cannot be resealed and requires disposable overcaps
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane incorporates a tacky layer with specific adhesive properties that allow it to be peeled back and then reattached to the container rim. The tackiness parameter is controlled to provide sufficient adhesion for resealing while allowing initial peeling, eliminating the need for disposable overcaps and reducing waste.
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 the peelability of the outer layer with the adhesive properties of the tacky layer and the sealing capability of the heat seal layer, enabling both easy opening and effective resealing.
2Ease of operation
If conventional membranes are used to close container openings, then the membrane can be peeled back to access the container, but requires expensive disposable overcaps to reclose
Solution Approach 1:
By modifying the adhesive parameters of the membrane's tacky layer, the invention enables the membrane to maintain its sealing function after peeling. This eliminates the need to manufacture and apply separate disposable overcaps, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane is designed to perform multiple functions: initial sealing, peeling for access, and resealing. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate overcap components, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing overall production costs.
3Reliability
If a multi-layer membrane structure is used with tacky and heat seal layers, then the membrane becomes resealable, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane uses a composite multi-layer structure where each layer serves a specific function: the outer layer provides peelability, the tacky layer enables resealing, and the heat seal layer ensures secure attachment. This composite design achieves reliable resealability while managing structural complexity through functional specialization.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane is segmented into distinct functional layers rather than using a single homogeneous material. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function (peeling, tackiness, heat sealing) while working together as an integrated system, achieving reliability without excessive overall complexity.
4Strength
If the heat seal layer is permanently sealed to the metal end, then the membrane can be securely attached, but the membrane must also allow peeling and resealing
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is segmented into distinct functional layers with the heat seal layer providing strong permanent attachment to the metal end, while the separate tacky layer enables peeling and resealing. This segmentation allows the strong seal and easy peeling/res Sealing to coexist without compromising either function.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite membrane structure combines materials with different properties: the heat seal layer provides strong permanent bonding to the metal end, while the tacky layer maintains adhesive properties that allow controlled peeling and resealing. This composite design resolves the contradiction between strong attachment and reversible peeling.
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 effectively reduces waste and production costs by enabling resealing of containers without an overcap, maintaining a reliable seal and being suitable for various container materials and shapes.
Implementation Method 1
the heat seal layer is permanently sealed to the metal end to close the at least one opening
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a method involving coextrusion and lamination with adhesive layers for secure bonding
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a peelable membrane (20) for resealably closing a metal end (14) of a container (10), the membrane comprising an outer layer (32), a tacky layer (38), and a heat seal layer (40). 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. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a container end having a peelable, resealable membrane.