Rim Assembly Sealing Repeated Container Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Containers for hazardous liquids, such as paint, face challenges in achieving a reliable and repeated seal due to contamination issues, leading to difficulties in disposal and recycling, as existing solutions like semi-rigid plastics or metal containers are costly and inefficient, and paperboard containers struggle with forming a liquid-proof seal with their lids.
Innovation Solution
A rim assembly for containers featuring a frame member with securing tabs and sealing means that allow for repeated sealing engagement with the lid, utilizing a retaining strap to secure the tabs in place, enabling reliable sealing and easy separation of contaminated components for recycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a paperboard container with a lid is used, then the container is cost-effective and environmentally friendly, but it cannot form a reliable liquid-proof seal that allows repeated sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The rim assembly is divided into multiple functional components: a frame member that interfaces with the container opening, securing tabs with engagement members that attach to apertures in the side wall, and a sealing element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, creating a reliable seal while maintaining the ability to be repeatedly attached and detached.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing tabs are designed to be movable between different positions, allowing the rim assembly to be dynamically attached and detached from the container. The engagement members can be inserted through apertures to secure the assembly, and then removed to allow lid access, enabling repeated sealing operations.
2Reliability
If a foil lid with heat sealing is used, then a good seal is achieved, but the container cannot be resealed after the lid is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The rim assembly provides a dynamic sealing solution that can be repeatedly attached and detached, unlike permanent heat seals. The movable securing tabs allow the assembly to transition between secured and unsecured states, enabling multiple sealing cycles while maintaining seal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is localized to specific sealing surfaces on the rim assembly and lid, rather than requiring the entire lid to be permanently bonded. This localized approach allows the seal to be effective while permitting the lid to be removed and reattached through the movable securing mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a plastic lid that snaps fit over the rim is used, then repeated use is enabled, but the seal is insufficient and liquid may leak through gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is concentrated at the sealing element on the rim assembly, which provides a dedicated liquid-proof barrier. This localized high-quality seal prevents leakage while the overall movable design enables repeated use, resolving the contradiction between seal integrity and reusability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rim assembly acts as an intermediary component between the container body and the lid, providing a specialized sealing interface. This intermediary structure with its sealing element creates a reliable liquid barrier that simple snap-fit lids cannot achieve, while still allowing repeated attachment and detachment.
4Ease of manufacture
If semi-rigid plastics or metal containers are used, then disposal and recycling become difficult and costly, but the container can be made durable
Solution Approach 1:
The container system is segmented into a disposable paperboard container body and a reusable rim assembly with lid. This segmentation allows the paperboard portion to be easily disposed of or recycled while the durable rim assembly can be recovered and reused, reducing overall disposal costs while maintaining container integrity during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables discarding of the contaminated paperboard container body while recovering and reusing the rim assembly and lid components. This approach reduces disposal costs and environmental impact compared to disposing of entire plastic or metal containers, while the rim assembly maintains its protective function.
Data Source
AI summary
A rim assembly for a container comprises a frame member (346) having a perimeter corresponding in shape to an opening of a container such that, in use, the frame member is received within the opening and extends around an interior surface of a side wall of the container; a plurality of securing tabs (394) hingedly connected to the frame member (346), each tab (394) including an engagement member (396); sealing means configured for repeated sealing engagement with a lid of the container; and retaining means (399), wherein each of the securing tabs is movable between a first position in which the engagement member is disengaged from an aperture (317) in the container side wall and a second position in which the engagement member (396) is engaged with one of the apertures (317) in the side wall, and wherein the retaining means is configured to retain the securing tabs in the second position such that the rim assembly is secured to the container around a top edge of the side wall.