Blister Package Ring Member Concealing Sealed Flange Joint

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Solution Overview

Problem

Blister-type packages have an unattractive and uncomfortable peripheral plastic edge created when the outer shells are sealed together, limiting their overall acceptance for display and handling.

Innovation Solution

A ring member is positioned adjacent to the outward facing surfaces of the front and back flanges to cover the joint between the front and back members, which can be made of opaque material to conceal the joint and provide a more aesthetically pleasing and comfortable handling experience, using thermoforming or other manufacturing processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the outer shells are sealed together using heat and pressure to activate adhesive, then the package achieves strong sealing and display functionality, but the peripheral plastic edge becomes unattractive and uncomfortable to handle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing strengthVSAvoidhandling comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A ring member is introduced as an intermediary component between the front and back flanges. This ring member covers the exposed peripheral plastic edges and joint, transforming the uncomfortable sharp edges into a smooth, rounded surface that is comfortable to handle while maintaining the structural integrity of the seal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The package structure is segmented by adding a separate ring member component. This segmentation allows the sealing function to be maintained by the adhesive bond between flanges while the ring member separately provides the comfort function by covering the peripheral edges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the outer shells are sealed together to create a blister pack, then the package provides product protection and display capability, but the exposed peripheral plastic edge creates an unattractive appearance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct protectionVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The ring member serves as a mediating cosmetic element that conceals the unsightly joint and peripheral edges. It acts as a visual barrier that hides the manufacturing seam while allowing the transparent flanges to maintain their product protection function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The ring member can be made from opaque or colored material to contrast with or complement the transparent flanges, creating an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The color or opacity of the ring member can be selected to enhance the overall visual appeal of the package.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentEP3271263B1package
Publication Date: 2019.04.24 THE GILLETTE CO
  • EP3271263B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3271263B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3271263B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4A

AI summary

A package includes a front member having a first surface and an opposing second surface, a front sealing surface surrounding the second surface and a front flange extending from the front sealing surface. The front flange has an inward facing surface and an outward facing surface. A back member including a first surface and an opposing second surface, a back sealing surface surrounding the second surface and a back flange extending from the back sealing surface. The back flange has an inward facing surface and an outward facing surface. A joint secures the front sealing surface to the back sealing surface. A cavity is located between the second surface of the front member and the second surface of the back member. A ring member is positioned adjacent the outward facing surface of the front flange and the outward facing surface of the back flange to cover the joint.