Sealable Container With Thermo-Deformable Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for sealing aseptic containers face challenges in achieving satisfactory heat seals without entrapment of fibrous materials and prolonged heat penetration times, especially when using high temperatures that can damage container layers, and ultrasonic sealing methods often result in incomplete or damaged seals.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a gland with a thermo-deformable projection having a raised profile, which includes an annular lip with a cutting edge to deflect fibrous materials and a heat sealable membrane, allowing for a reduced temperature and time for sealing, and a method involving a heating element to melt the sealable membrane and sealing land, forming a reliable seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high temperature heat sealing is used to seal the container port, then the seal reliability is improved, but the container layers may be damaged and fibrous materials may be entrapped in the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing land includes a raised profile portion that concentrates the sealing action to a specific localized area. This raised portion creates a focused sealing zone where heat and pressure are applied more intensely, enabling reliable sealing without requiring high temperatures across the entire sealing surface, thereby preventing container layer damage and fibrous material entrapment in surrounding areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing land is segmented into different functional zones: a raised profile portion for initial sealing contact and a broader base for heat distribution. This segmentation allows the sealing process to occur in stages, with the raised portion first establishing seal reliability while the broader base provides gentle heat distribution that prevents damage to container layers.
2Reliability
If traditional heat sealing methods are used, then sealing can be achieved, but the heat penetration time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The raised profile portion of the sealing land creates a localized area with reduced heat transfer distance. By concentrating the sealing action at this elevated point, heat penetrates more quickly to the sealing interface, significantly reducing the overall heat penetration time while still achieving reliable seal formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The raised profile portion makes initial contact with the sealing surface before the broader base, pre-positioning the sealing interface. This preliminary contact establishes the sealing path in advance, allowing heat to penetrate directly to the predetermined sealing zone without waiting for thermal diffusion across the entire sealing land area.
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 solution provides a more reliable seal with reduced temperature and time requirements, minimizing damage to the container and effectively sealing even in the presence of fibrous materials, while being adaptable to misalignment during the sealing process.
Implementation Method 1
applying heat through the rear wall of the container to the heat sealable membrane using a heating means
Implementation Method 2
melt the sealable membrane and sealing land, forming a reliable seal
Implementation Method 3
annular lip with a cutting edge to deflect fibrous materials
Data Source
Figure 1a~1d
Figure 2a~2d
Figure 2e~2h
AI summary
A container (51) for storage and dispensing of fluids, comprising collapsible front (54) and rear walls (56) defining a chamber, having a gland (50) defining a fluid passage for allowing the passage of fluids into the chamber carried on the front wall (54) of the container (51). The gland (50) includes a sealing land (59) within the container for sealingly engaging a heat sealable membrane (61) along a continuous seal upon the application of heat through the rear wall (56) of the container. The sealing land (59) in a pre-sealed condition, includes at least one thermo-deformable projection (64) having a raised profile providing an initial melt zone of reduced area relative to the area of the sealing land.