Peelable Resealable Membrane Structure for Metal Container Ends
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional membranes for metal container ends are not resealable, leading to unnecessary waste and increased production costs due to the need for disposable overcaps.
Innovation Solution
A peelable and resealable membrane structure comprising multiple layers, including an outer layer, barrier layer, tacky layer, and heat seal layer, designed to fracture internally upon peeling, allowing for reattachment to the metal end without an overcap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional membrane is used to close the container opening, then the container can be initially sealed, but the membrane cannot be resealed after opening, requiring disposable overcaps
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is divided into multiple functional layers: a heat seal layer for initial sealing to the metal end, a barrier layer for product protection, and a tacky layer that provides residual adhesion after peeling to enable resealing. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function, resolving the contradiction between resealability and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane employs a composite structure combining different materials with complementary properties: heat seal material for strong initial attachment, barrier material for product protection, and tacky material for resealing capability. This composite approach enables the membrane to achieve multiple functions simultaneously, making it both resealable and structurally sound.
2Loss of substance
If disposable overcaps are used to reclose containers after opening, then the container can be reclosed, but waste increases and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane's tacky layer provides self-adhesive properties that enable the membrane to reseal to itself after being peeled back. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external overcaps or additional closing components, allowing consumers to easily reclose the container by simply pressing the membrane back into place, thereby reducing waste while maintaining ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the membrane is completely removed from the container end, then access to the container interior is achieved, but the membrane cannot be reattached
Solution Approach 1:
The heat seal layer is designed to provide strong initial adhesion to the metal end, allowing the membrane to be easily peeled back when opened. After peeling, the tacky layer remains on the membrane surface, providing residual adhesive strength that enables the membrane to be reattached to the metal end or to itself. This preliminary design of layered adhesion mechanisms resolves the contradiction between easy opening and reliable resealing.
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 resealing of containers without additional caps, reducing waste and production costs while maintaining a secure seal, applicable to various container shapes and materials.
Implementation Method 1
The heat seal layer is heated to a temperature sufficient to melt the heat seal layer
Implementation Method 2
the temperature sufficient to melt the heat seal layer
Implementation Method 3
a tacky layer adjacent the barrier layer and external to the heat seal layer
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A container comprises: a metal end (14) defining at least one opening into the container; a peelable membrane (20) defining a pull tab (26), the peelable membrane (20) comprising: an outer layer (32); a heat seal layer (40); and a tacky layer (38) positioned between the outer layer (32) and the heat seal layer (40), wherein the heat seal layer (40) is permanently sealed to the metal end (14) to close the at least one opening, wherein the tacky layer (38) allows the peelable membrane (20) to be removable from and resealable onto the metal end (14) about the edge of the metal end, except in a stopping point wherein the peelable membrane is retained on at least an edge of the metal end.