Bag-like Packaging with Permanent and Repositionable Closure Flap

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sachet-type packaging systems for fresh foods allow fraudulent consumers to access and alter contents, leading to inaccurate weighing and pricing at checkout, as they can be reopened and resealed, compromising the integrity of the packaging.

Innovation Solution

A sachet packaging design featuring a first and second sheet sealed on lateral and lower sides, with permanent closure means ensuring the pocket remains sealed until intentionally opened by the merchant or customer, and repositionable closure means for temporary resealing after initial use, reducing material usage and eliminating additional flaps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a repositionable closure system is used to allow multiple openings and closings, then the packaging can be reused to extract product in several quantities, but fraudulent consumers can access and alter contents leading to inaccurate weighing and pricing

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereusabilityVSAvoidpackaging integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The closure system is divided into two distinct parts: a permanent closure that maintains packaging integrity and a repositionable closure that enables controlled reopening. This segmentation allows the packaging to provide both security against fraud and controlled reusability for legitimate customers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The permanent closure is applied first to seal the packaging securely before any product extraction. This preliminary sealing ensures that the packaging remains tamper-evident and secure, and only after this permanent closure is in place can the repositionable closure be used for controlled reopening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If cutting means are used to open the packaging permanently, then access to products is enabled, but the packaging structure becomes more complex with additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening capabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The permanent closure is designed to be removed or taken out after initial sealing, allowing the packaging to be opened without requiring complex cutting means. This extraction of the permanent closure simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the necessary opening capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional flaps and closing means are added to enable resealing, then the packaging can be temporarily closed after opening, but the material usage and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresealing capabilityVSAvoidmaterial usage
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The repositionable closure system is designed to perform multiple functions: it allows the packaging to be opened, closed, reopened, and closed again repeatedly. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional flaps or closing mechanisms, reducing material usage while maintaining full resealing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2974978B1Bag-like packaging provided with a permanent closure system forming a flap and a repositionable closure system
Publication Date: 2017.04.05 HANOVA
  • EP2974978B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2974978B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2974978B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to packaging (1) comprising two sheets (2, 3) joined together to form a pouch (5) with a first opening (6) at its upper part, and permanent closure means (8) configured between said sheets on the upper side (1d) to close the first opening once the pouch is filled with a product. The sheets are held together on said upper side by the permanent closure means, once in place. The second sheet (3) includes easy-opening means (17) configured to create a second opening on it, offset below the permanent closure means (8).The upper part of the packaging, formed by the upper part of the first sheet (2) and the upper part of the second sheet (3) held closed together by the permanent closure means (8), constitutes a flap configured to be folded over the outer face (3b) of the second sheet, covering the second opening. Repositionable closure means (26) are configured on the outer face to temporarily hold the flap in the closed position of the second opening.