Vacuum Release Seal Closure for Glass Container Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container closure systems fail to effectively release vacuum pressure when the closure is loosened, leading to potential issues with product preservation and safety during handling.
Innovation Solution
A closure assembly with a seal that includes closure-driven features on its outer periphery, which engage cams on the skirt to facilitate the release of vacuum pressure, allowing the seal to move from a compressed position to a second position, enabling fluid communication between the container interior and the outside atmosphere.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the closure is loosened to release vacuum pressure, then the vacuum pressure is released, but the seal may be drawn into the container causing product contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vacuum release seal closure that proactively manages vacuum pressure release before the seal can be drawn into the container. The closure assembly includes a seal that maintains sealing engagement while allowing controlled vacuum release, preventing the harmful condition of seal contamination before it can occur.
2Reliability
If the seal is compressed to maintain vacuum seal, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but the seal cannot move to release vacuum pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic seal system that can transition between different states. The seal is configured to be compressed against the container opening for sealing, but can move relative to the closure assembly to release vacuum pressure when needed, combining both sealing effectiveness and vacuum release capability in a single adaptable component.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum release seal closure is designed to automatically manage the vacuum pressure release process. When the seal moves to release vacuum, ambient air enters through the seal-closure interface, and the seal naturally returns to its sealed position due to the pressure differential, creating a self-regulating system that maintains both sealing and vacuum release functions.
3Ease of operation
If the seal moves to release vacuum pressure, then the vacuum is released safely, but the seal may lose sealing engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism through the pressure differential created during vacuum release. As ambient air enters when the seal moves, the pressure equalization provides feedback that naturally returns the seal to its sealed position, ensuring that the seal maintains proper engagement while enabling vacuum release operation.
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
This solution ensures safe and efficient release of vacuum pressure, preventing the seal from being drawn into the container and maintaining product integrity by allowing ambient air to enter, thus addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
the seal to move from a compressed position to a second position, enabling fluid communication between the container interior and the outside atmosphere
Data Source
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AI summary
A glass container (12), comprising a base (30) a body (32) extending axially from the base, and a neck finish (38) extending from the body, the neck finish having an axial sealing surface (40), wherein at least a portion of the axial sealing surface extends both axially toward the base and radially outwardly. A package with a closure assembly (14) comprising a seal (20) that includes a seal ring (86), and a carrier (88) being coupled to the seal ring, extending circumferentially and radially outwardly of the seal ring to a radially outer periphery (24), and having a circumferentially extending pocket (116) in the radially outer periphery adapted to release a vacuum pressure.