Reusable Canning Lid with Localized Venting Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reusable canning lids require additional training and skill to properly vent and seal due to the need for specific torque adjustments, which can be challenging for users of varying age, gender, and strength, and differ from traditional metal lids in usage.
Innovation Solution
A reusable canning lid design featuring a circular disc with a second planar surface lowered by 0.015″ to 0.035″ along a 54° to 144° circumferential segment, allowing the lid to vent like traditional metal lids without requiring torque adjustments, using a polymer material like Polyoxymethylene Copolymer (POM) for durability and heat resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a ring gasket is used instead of a gummy seal to enable reusability, then the lid becomes reusable, but the venting process becomes more complex requiring specific torque adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specific circumferential segment (54° to 144°) on the lid with a lowered second planar surface. This localized modification allows the lid to vent automatically during processing without requiring users to perform complex torque adjustments, while maintaining reusability through the ring gasket design.
2Reliability
If torque adjustments are required for proper venting and sealing, then sealing reliability improves, but the difficulty of operation increases for users of varying strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by designing the lid with a second planar surface that automatically vents during processing when the jar is heated. The lid self-regulates the venting process without requiring user intervention or torque adjustments, making the operation simple for users of all strengths while maintaining reliable sealing.
3Reliability
If the screw band is tightened securely to ensure sealing, then seal quality improves, but the venting process becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the lid with a second planar surface at a specific location (54° to 144° circumferential segment) that is lowered by 0.015" to 0.035". This preliminary design feature enables automatic venting during processing without requiring users to loosen the screw band, thus maintaining both high seal quality and ease of operation.
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 the lid to be used like traditional metal lids, venting during processing and sealing without additional steps, eliminating the need for torque adjustments and making the product more accessible to users, as it maintains a seal and is reusable.
Implementation Method 1
During processing, the heated seal is softened, which allows pressurized air inside the jar to escape
Implementation Method 2
During processing, the heated seal is softened, which allows pressurized air inside the jar to escape
Implementation Method 3
Once the jar and its contents have cooled, the resulting vacuum is sufficient to hold the lid on the jar
Data Source
AI summary
A reusable lid for use with a jar for canning food. The reusable lid comprises a circular disc having a top side with an upper surface, a bottom side with a planar lower surface extending about the outer circumferential section of the disc, and a ring extending outwardly from the lower surface. The second planar surface on the top side of the disc is lowered from the upper surface by a measurement in the range of 0.015″ to 0.035″, and extends along a circumferential segment that extends between 54° and 144° of the radial circumference of the disc.