Swivelable Container Seal for Spill and Gas Flow Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container sealing mechanisms, such as pull-tab and press-button systems, are vulnerable to spilling or gas flow and dirt ingress when the can is tilted or falls.
Innovation Solution
A swivelable cover mechanism with a circular slit and elastic sealing element that can be swiveled around a fixed axis, featuring a disk-shaped or ring-shaped protrusions, which seals the opening by swiveling over or into the can's opening to prevent leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pull-tab or stay-on tab mechanisms are used to seal container openings, then the container can be opened easily, but the container becomes vulnerable to spilling, gas flow, and dirt ingress when tilted or fallen
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing mechanism transitions from a static tab structure to a dynamic swivelable cover that can rotate between open and closed positions. The cover is connected via a swivel mechanism allowing it to adapt its position while maintaining sealing contact with the container opening through the elastic sealing element
Solution Approach 2:
An elastic sealing element is introduced between the cover and the container opening to provide flexible sealing. This elastic component deforms to accommodate the container opening shape and maintains continuous sealing contact, preventing spilling and dirt ingress while allowing the cover to swivel
2Ease of operation
If press button mechanisms with soft connection sealers are used, then the container can be opened by pressing, but the container is vulnerable to spilling and gas flow when the press button is torn
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic sealing element provides continuous flexible sealing around the container opening, replacing the vulnerable soft connection sealer. This elastic seal maintains contact with the opening rim throughout the swivel motion, preventing spilling and gas flow even when the container is tilted or fallen
Solution Approach 2:
The cover transitions from a static pressed-seal configuration to a dynamic swivelable structure. The swivel mechanism allows the cover to rotate while the elastic sealing element maintains continuous sealing contact, eliminating the vulnerability of torn press buttons
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 mechanism effectively prevents spilling and gas flow by ensuring a secure seal even when the can is tilted or falls, maintaining closure integrity.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic sealing element located in between the cover and at least the circular slit
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses A container top comprising: a container top member comprising at one circular slit circulating an upper opening, bottom tearable member which seals said opening, a cover placed over said bottom tearable member; and an elastic sealing element located in between the cover and at least the circular slit; wherein the sealer is swivelable to at least one side around a fixed axis, wherein the sealer has an extension arm extending from said fixed axis, such that when the extension is pushed downwards the sealer part above the opening is elevated