Variable Cross Section Synthetic Closure for Wine Bottles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current synthetic container closures for wine bottles face challenges in achieving optimal oxygen transmission rates (OTR) and mechanical properties, such as ease of insertion and removal, while also needing to withstand pressure buildups and ensure secure sealing, which are not adequately addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A synthetic container closure design featuring a non-cylindrical inner core with a sinusoidal longitudinal profile and a concentric outer layer, where the inner core and outer layer have distinct chemical compositions and densities, allowing for customizable properties like varying cross-sectional areas and extraction forces, and controlled OTR through continuous extrusion and geometric manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If synthetic container closures use high density materials to reduce oxygen transmission rate, then OTR performance is improved, but mechanical properties deteriorate (higher stiffness, less compressible, requires larger compression force for insertion)
Solution Approach 1:
The closure is designed with variable cross-sectional area along its length, creating zones with different material densities and mechanical properties. The ends have larger cross-sectional areas for ease of insertion and removal, while the middle section has smaller cross-sectional area for secure sealing and appropriate OTR control, allowing each region to be optimized for its specific function rather than using uniform high density throughout
Solution Approach 2:
The patent varies the cross-sectional area parameter along the closure length to create a gradient structure. This allows the closure to transition from high compressibility at the ends (large cross-section) to controlled sealing force in the middle (smaller cross-section), resolving the contradiction between ease of insertion and sealing performance without requiring uniformly high density material
2Reliability
If synthetic container closures use high density materials to reduce oxygen transmission rate, then OTR performance is improved, but extraction force increases
Solution Approach 1:
The variable cross-sectional design creates local zones optimized for different functions: the end zones with larger cross-sectional areas require less extraction force, while the middle zone with smaller cross-sectional area provides secure sealing. This local optimization allows the closure to be removed with acceptable force while maintaining low OTR through the middle sealing section
Solution Approach 2:
The closure applies sealing force primarily through the middle section rather than uniformly along the entire length. This concentrated action in the middle zone achieves effective sealing and OTR control without requiring excessive extraction force to overcome uniform friction along the entire closure length
3Ease of operation
If natural cork is used for container closures, then mechanical properties and compressibility are improved, but consistency deteriorates (high variation in properties, oxygen transmission rate, and contamination)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses controlled variation of cross-sectional area parameters along the closure length to achieve consistent mechanical properties. This geometric control provides repeatability and uniformity in compression behavior, eliminating the natural variation inherent in cork while maintaining the desired compressibility and sealing characteristics through precisely engineered dimensions
4Ease of manufacture
If synthetic container closures use uniform cross section design, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but performance deteriorates (cannot simultaneously achieve low OTR, ease of insertion, and secure sealing)
Solution Approach 1:
The variable cross-sectional design is implemented through continuous extrusion processes that can accommodate gradual geometry changes. This allows the closure to have different functional zones (ends for insertion/removal, middle for sealing) while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through a single continuous process rather than assembly of multiple uniform components
Solution Approach 2:
The closure geometry transitions dynamically along its length rather than remaining static and uniform. This dynamic variation in cross-sectional area allows the closure to exhibit different mechanical behaviors at different locations, optimizing both insertion ease and sealing performance within a single manufactured component
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 design achieves superior sealing properties, customizable for different applications, with improved OTR and mechanical performance, enabling secure sealing and easy removal without excessive force, while maintaining the wine's quality over time.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one thermoplastic resin preferably is foamed
Implementation Method 2
Natural cork also has excellent mechanical properties, namely compressibility and elasticity... the closure is capable of secure, intimate, factional engagement with the bottle neck in order to resist any such pressure build ups
Data Source
AI summary
A container closure (17, 29) includes an inner core (19, 31) having a non-cylindrical profile created by a variable longitudinal cross-sectional area. One or more outer layers (21, 33) concentrically surround the core and have a cross-sectional area inversely correlated to the inner core so that the overall container closure has an essentially cylindrical profile.