Two-Piece Closure with Segmented Sealing and Pressure Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container closures do not provide a resealable option that is easy to remove while allowing pressure relief and offering a comfortable 'lip-feel' for direct consumption from the container.
Innovation Solution
A two-piece closure system comprising an inner and outer shell with external and internal threads, respectively, along with grip petals and a pressure relief mechanism, allowing for threaded engagement and disengagement while providing a secure seal and vent path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional crimp-type closure is used, then the closure provides a secure seal, but it is difficult to remove and does not allow pressure relief before disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The closure is divided into an inner shell and an outer shell that can move independently. The inner shell remains crimped to the container for sealing, while the outer shell can be removed by unscrewing, allowing pressure relief before complete disengagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure transitions from a static crimped seal to a dynamic system where the outer shell can rotate and move axially relative to the inner shell, enabling controlled pressure relief while maintaining the seal integrity of the inner shell.
2Ease of operation
If a threadable closure is used, then the closure allows easy removal and resealing, but it may not provide adequate pressure relief capability
Solution Approach 1:
The threading mechanism is placed on the outer shell only, separating the pressure relief function (outer shell removal) from the sealing function (inner shell crimp), allowing both ease of operation and pressure relief capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner shell acts as an intermediary between the container and the outer shell, maintaining the seal while allowing the outer shell to be removed for pressure relief and then reattached for resealing.
3Ease of manufacture
If the container neck has a standard finish, then the manufacturing is simple, but it does not provide good lip-feel for direct consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The external bead on the container neck provides enhanced lip-feel in the specific area where the user's lips contact, while the rest of the container maintains simple manufacturing. The bead is a localized feature that improves comfort without complicating overall production.
Data Source
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AI summary
A closure for a container (12) having a neck (20) with an external bead (24), which closure includes an inner shell (40) including an inner shell base wall (44) having a central passage (46), and an annular skirt (48) extending axially from the base wall radially outward of the central passage and having an outer surface (56) and at least one external thread segment (60) projecting from the outer surface; and an outer shell (42) coupled to the inner shell and including an outer shell base wall (80), a plug seal (82) extending axially from the outer shell base wall through the central passage of the inner shell base wall, and an annular outer skirt (84) extending axially from the outer shell base wall radially outward of the plug seal and having at least one internal thread segment (86) for threaded engagement with the at least one external thread segment of the inner shell, wherein the central passage has an inner diameter, wherein the plug seal includes an annular wall (88) having a wall outer surface (90) with a wall outer diameter less than the central passage inner diameter, and wherein the plug seal includes an annular seal (92) extending radially outwardly from the annular wall and having a seal outer surface (94) with a seal outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of the central passage such that the base wall of the inner shell is axially retained between the outer shell base wall and the annular seal.