Spring-Loaded Stopper Closure for Consistent Container Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure systems for containers, such as vials, face challenges in accurately defining the pressure applied to stoppers, leading to inconsistent tightness due to manufacturing tolerances, which can compromise long-term sealing and potentially damage the stoppers.
Innovation Solution
A closure system comprising a stopper member, cage member, and spring member, where the spring member applies a predefined pressure to the stopper via a free space configuration, ensuring consistent tightness by compensating for component tolerances and maintaining aseptic conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stoppers are pressed into container openings using rigid caps or crimp caps, then tightness is achieved, but the pressure applied cannot be accurately defined and varies due to manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static rigid caps with a dynamic spring mechanism that automatically adjusts to accommodate manufacturing tolerances. The spring member (16) compresses between the stopper (11) and the cap (12), providing a predefined force that compensates for dimensional variations in the components, thereby ensuring consistent pressure and reliable tightness despite manufacturing imprecisions.
2Reliability
If higher pressure is applied to stoppers to ensure tightness, then sealing improves, but stopper damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure application parameter from variable (dependent on assembly force and tolerances) to controlled (predefined spring force). The spring member provides a specific compressive force that is sufficient to ensure tight sealing while remaining within the elastic limits of the stopper material, preventing damage while achieving reliable sealing.
3Strength
If lower pressure is applied to stoppers to prevent damage, then stopper integrity is maintained, but tightness and long-term sealing are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The spring member acts as a self-regulating mechanism that automatically applies the precise pressure needed for tight sealing without requiring external control or adjustment. The spring's inherent elastic properties ensure that the force applied is always within the safe range for the stopper while maintaining sufficient pressure for long-term sealing reliability.
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 system achieves a uniform and predefined pressure on the stopper, ensuring reliable container sealing while accommodating manufacturing variations, preventing damage and maintaining aseptic integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a spring member (16) arranged to push the cage member (15) away from the cover portion (112) of the stopper member (11), wherein the spring member (16) is arranged to apply a predefined pressure onto the stopper member (11)
Data Source
AI summary
A closure system is disclosed for closing a container opening. The closure system includes a stopper member, a cage member for mounting to the container, and a spring member. The stopper member has a plug portion that tightly fits into the container opening and a cover portion that abuts a boundary surface adjacent to the container opening container. The stopper member plug portion is fitted into the container opening, the stopper member cover portion abuts the boundary surface of the container, and the cage member is mounted to the container to hold the stopper member, when the closure system is in an assembled state. The cage and spring members are arranged to position the spring member between the stopper member cover portion and the cage member such that the spring member pushes the cage member away from the cover portion when the closure system is in the assembled state.