Retortable Package Elastic Expansion Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional packaging solutions fail to maintain a sealed environment during high-temperature sterilization processes without bursting or discharging contents, as they lack the necessary elastic properties to accommodate pressure changes.
Innovation Solution
A retortable package design featuring a container and lid made of expansible elastic materials that increase volume during high temperatures to accommodate pressure increases, maintaining a sealed environment without fluid discharge, and return to original shape upon cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional packaging materials are used during high-temperature sterilization, then the package structure remains rigid and stable, but the package bursts or discharges contents due to inability to accommodate pressure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and mechanical properties of the packaging materials by selecting polymers with specific glass transition temperatures (Tg) below the sterilization temperature. This parameter change allows the materials to transition from a rigid glassy state to a rubbery elastic state during sterilization, enabling volume expansion to accommodate pressure increases while maintaining structural integrity and sealed environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures combining multiple polymer layers with different properties. The container and lid are made of elastomeric or semi-rigid polymers that provide both structural support and elastic deformability. This composite approach allows the package to maintain its sealed environment while accommodating pressure-induced volume changes through elastic expansion of the elastomeric components.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid packaging materials are used to maintain structural stability, then the package shape remains constant, but the package cannot expand to accommodate pressure increases during sterilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic characteristics to the packaging structure by using elastomeric and semi-rigid polymer materials that can adapt their volume in response to pressure changes during sterilization. The package transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic structure that expands and contracts elastically, maintaining structural stability while adapting to thermal and pressure conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the temperature-dependent mechanical properties of polymers, specifically those with glass transition temperatures below the sterilization temperature. As temperature increases during sterilization, the materials transition from a rigid glassy state to a more compliant rubbery state, enabling volume expansion while maintaining overall structural integrity through controlled elastic deformation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If elastomeric materials are used to enable volume expansion during sterilization, then the package can accommodate pressure increases, but the package loses structural rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material structures combining elastomeric polymers with semi-rigid components or reinforcement structures. The elastomeric base material provides volume expandability through elastic deformation, while the semi-rigid portions or structural features maintain necessary structural rigidity and shape control during the sterilization process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties to different portions of the package structure. Elastomeric materials with high expandability are used in regions requiring volume change accommodation, while semi-rigid materials or structural reinforcements are positioned in areas requiring structural support and shape maintenance, creating a functionally differentiated structure.
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 package effectively sterilizes contents by expanding to prevent bursting and maintaining a sealed environment during sterilization, ensuring the contents remain within the package without leakage or damage.
Implementation Method 1
the pressure in the variable-volume interior chamber increases as the temperature increases to deform elastically portions of the lid or container or both to increase the volume
Implementation Method 2
portions of the lid and container are made of expansible elastic materials that expand to assume an inflated shape without bursting or exceeding an elastic limit
Implementation Method 3
configured to contract when cooled to assume an original pre-expansion shape or a shape that is nearly the same as the original pre-expansion shape
Data Source
AI summary
A package includes a lid adapted to mate with the brim of a container. An interior chamber of the package is bounded by the container and the lid when the lid is mounted on the container brim.