Blister Packaging Weakening Line Spatial Separation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing blister packs face challenges in maintaining a high protective barrier while allowing easy opening, as perforations or sealing films can compromise the barrier effect and require significant force, and aluminum-based films are costly and environmentally contentious.

Innovation Solution

The blister pack design features an edge with an inner and outer bearing surface, where the weakening line is spatially separated from the product chamber, using an adhesive strip or thermal sealing to connect the blister hood to the card, allowing easy product removal with reduced force and minimal barrier impairment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a perforation is provided in the blister card to facilitate opening, then the ease of operation is improved, but the barrier effect against water vapor and oxygen is significantly reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of openingVSAvoidbarrier effect
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The opening mechanism is segmented into two distinct functional zones: the perforation line for easy tearing and the sealed edge region for maintaining the barrier effect. The perforation is positioned such that tearing occurs away from the product chamber, preserving the seal integrity in the critical sealing area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the blister card have different properties: the area with the perforation line has reduced strength to facilitate tearing, while the sealed edge area maintains full barrier properties. This local differentiation allows the card to provide both easy opening and effective protection in different locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a sealing film is used instead of cardboard to improve the barrier effect, then the barrier effect is significantly improved, but the force required to separate the sealing film increases considerably

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebarrier effectVSAvoidforce required for opening
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing film is segmented by introducing a perforation line that creates a predetermined weak point. This allows the film to be separated into sections, enabling the user to peel back only the necessary portion without having to overcome the adhesion force across the entire sealed area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The perforation line is pre-formed during manufacturing to indicate where the sealing film should be separated. This preliminary action guides the user on where to apply force and how to initiate the peeling process, reducing the overall force required compared to creating a tear from scratch.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the weakening line is positioned close to the product chamber to facilitate opening, then the ease of operation is improved, but the barrier effect is impaired due to direct connection to the product chamber

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of openingVSAvoidbarrier effect
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The weakening line is positioned in a different spatial dimension relative to the product chamber - specifically, in the lateral direction away from the chamber rather than directly adjacent to it. This spatial arrangement allows the weakening line to serve its opening function while maintaining the barrier integrity in the critical sealing zone near the product.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If aluminum-based sealing film is used to achieve excellent barrier properties, then the barrier effect is improved, but the cost increases and environmental concerns arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebarrier effectVSAvoidcost and environmental impact
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a disposable blister card with integrated perforation that can be easily torn and discarded. This approach replaces expensive, environmentally problematic aluminum films with a cost-effective, single-use paper or plastic card that achieves adequate barrier protection through proper sealing design rather than relying on expensive metal films.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing parameters are optimized to achieve adequate barrier protection using alternative materials. By adjusting sealing temperature, pressure, and duration, the patent demonstrates that materials other than aluminum film can provide sufficient barrier properties for the intended application, reducing cost and environmental impact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3322647B1Blister packaging and method for removing a product from the blister packaging
Publication Date: 2019.09.04 HENKEL KGAA
  • EP3322647B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3322647B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a blister packaging (1) comprising a blister cover (20) and a blister card (10), wherein the blister cover (20) and the blister card (10) enclose a product chamber for receiving a product (3), wherein the blister cover (20) has an edge (21) which contacts the blister card (10) and is connected to the blister card (10), wherein a line of weakness (11) is provided in the blister card (10) in order to facilitate a removal of the product (3) from the product chamber (2). According to the invention, the edge (4) of the blister cover (20) contacts the blister card (10) with an inner contact surface (22) and an outer contact surface (23), and the line of weakness (11) is arranged between the inner contact surface (22) and outer contact surface (23) or under the inner contact surface (22). In addition, the invention relates to a method for the removal of the product (3) using the blister packaging (1).