Self-Venting Closure Assembly for Vacuum-Relief Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing systems with unvented dispensers require a separate vent opening that consumers often fail to open properly, leading to vacuum-induced paneling of the container and inefficient dispensing.
Innovation Solution
A self-venting closure assembly with an elastomeric umbrella valve and concentrically spaced vent openings that automatically allows air to flow into the container when a vacuum is applied, eliminating the need for manual venting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate vent opening with a closure is used, then the container can be sealed for storage and handling, but the consumer must manually unscrew the closure during use, which is inconvenient and often done incorrectly
Solution Approach 1:
The closure assembly performs the venting function automatically without requiring consumer action. The umbrella valve self-opens in response to vacuum pressure during dispensing and self-closes when vacuum is relieved, eliminating the need for manual operation while ensuring proper venting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The umbrella valve transitions from a closed state during storage to an open state during dispensing based on vacuum pressure conditions. This dynamic response allows the same structure to serve both storage sealing and automatic venting functions without manual intervention.
2Reliability
If the vent closure is screwed tightly closed for storage, then the container is properly sealed, but vacuum pressure builds up during dispensing causing paneling of the container
Solution Approach 1:
The umbrella valve is pre-positioned in a closed state that maintains sealing during storage and transport. When vacuum pressure develops during dispensing, the valve automatically opens to relieve the vacuum, preventing paneling while maintaining proper sealing when not in use.
3Ease of operation
If the umbrella valve is exposed during shipping and handling, then it can function during dispensing, but it may be disturbed or damaged during nested storage and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The umbrella valve is nested within the closure body structure, specifically positioned within the vent opening and protected by the deck and mounting stem. This nested configuration allows the valve to remain accessible for its venting function while being protected from disturbance during shipping and handling.
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 self-venting closure ensures proper dispensing functionality without consumer intervention, reduces leak points, and protects the valve from disturbance during handling and shipping.
Implementation Method 1
permits air to flow into an interior of the closure body when a vacuum is applied to an interior of the container on which the closure is mounted
Data Source
AI summary
A self-venting closure assembly includes a closure body having a deck with a peripheral mounting skirt and an annular seal on an underside of the deck adjacent to the peripheral mounting skirt, further including a circular valve seat within the center portion of the deck, and a plurality of vent openings circumferentially spaced within the valve seat, all surrounded by an annular spillover wall. An elastomeric umbrella valve is centrally mounted to the deck and has a frustoconical valve flap arranged on an underside of the valve seat. The valve flap cooperates with the vent openings to normally seal the vent openings but permits air to flow into an interior of the closure body when a vacuum is applied to an interior of the container on which the closure is mounted.