Seal Ring Snap-Fit Assembly for Hermetic Container Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional glass container sealing methods require a cold end coating on the sealing surface for securing the foil, which is a cumbersome and unnecessary step.
Innovation Solution
A seal ring with a foldable seam and a locking band that is heated to melt and conform to the container finish, allowing for a snap-fit assembly without the need for a cold end coating, and a method of assembling the seal ring by heating the container to facilitate the melting and conforming of the seal ring to the finish.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cold end coating is applied to the sealing surface to prepare it for securing the foil, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and process time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the cold end coating step from the sealing process. The seal ring directly engages with the container finish without requiring any coating preparation, thereby removing an unnecessary process step while maintaining sealing reliability through the mechanical design of the seal ring structure
Solution Approach 2:
The seal ring acts as an intermediary component between the container finish and the foil. It provides a prepared sealing interface through its own structure (base with sealing surface) rather than requiring preparation of the container finish itself, thus eliminating the need for cold end coating
2Reliability
If a cold end coating is applied to the sealing surface, then the foil can be securely attached, but the production time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cold end coating process is completely removed from the production line. The seal ring's base provides a ready-to-use sealing surface that requires no coating application, drying, or curing steps, thereby eliminating process time and improving production efficiency while maintaining secure foil attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing surface is prepared in advance as an integral part of the seal ring structure during mold manufacturing, rather than requiring on-line coating application. The base of the seal ring is formed with the appropriate sealing surface characteristics built-in, eliminating subsequent preparation steps
3Ease of operation
If the seal ring is made with a foldable seam and locking band, then the ease of assembly is improved, but the structural complexity of the seal ring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal ring incorporates a foldable seam that allows the structure to dynamically change shape during assembly. The second portion can be folded back to engage the locking band with the container finish, providing an easy snap-fit assembly action while maintaining structural integrity when assembled
Solution Approach 2:
The seal ring is divided into distinct functional portions: a base, a first portion extending axially, and a second portion with the locking band. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function independently while simplifying the assembly process through modular engagement
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
Eliminates the need for a cold end coating, providing a reliable and efficient sealing mechanism that is both cost-effective and easy to implement, ensuring a secure and hermetic seal for the container.
Implementation Method 1
heating at least a portion of the container to a predetermined temperature sufficient to cause at least a portion of the seal ring to melt when coupled to the container
Implementation Method 2
heating at least a portion of the container to a predetermined temperature sufficient to cause at least a portion of the seal ring to melt and conform to the container finish
Implementation Method 3
heating at least a portion of the container to a predetermined temperature sufficient to cause at least a portion of the seal ring to melt when coupled to the container
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A seal ring (14) for sealing a container (12). The seal ring has a base (30) and a longitudinal axis (B) extending therethrough, a radially outer portion (32), and an inner seal (36). The radially outer portion has a locking band (34) that is configured to lock beneath an external engagement element (28) of a container (12) so as to secure the seal ring thereto. The inner seal is configured to be biased into sealing engagement with an inner finish surface (29) of the container. The seal ring may be part of a package (10) that also includes the container having a finish (22) that comprises a sealing lip (26), the external engagement element (28), and an inner surface (29), and a foil (16) sealingly and removably coupled to the base of the seal ring.