Bag-On-Valve Pouch Robust Weld Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Collapsible pouches in pressurized dispensing systems are prone to failures due to stress caused by the weight of the fluent product, especially under impact loads, leading to a need for a more robust construction to reduce such failures.
Innovation Solution
A robust weld configuration is implemented, where the flexible web portions of the pouch are welded to each other and to the fitment body with specific spacing and dimensions, forming a pair of laterally spaced, longitudinally extending edge welds and an end weld with varying weld margins, which enhances the structural integrity and reduces stress concentrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the pouch web portions are welded directly to the fitment body with a simple end weld, then the manufacturing process is simple and fast, but the structural integrity is insufficient and the package is prone to failure under impact loads
Solution Approach 1:
The end weld is segmented into multiple distinct weld locations (first weld location, second weld location, third weld location, fourth weld location) arranged in a rectangular pattern. This segmentation distributes the structural load across multiple points rather than concentrating it at a single weld, thereby improving overall structural integrity while maintaining a systematic weld configuration that is manageable in manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The weld configuration implements different weld characteristics at different locations. The first and second welds have different properties than the third and fourth welds, with varying weld margins and spacing. This local differentiation allows optimization of stress distribution at critical areas while maintaining manufacturability, resolving the contradiction between strength and complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If the pouch contains a large volume of fluent product, then the package has high utility value, but the weight of the product causes increased stress in the web portions adjacent to the fitment body
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement weld configuration segments the stress path into multiple routes by creating a rectangular pattern of weld locations. This allows the stress from the heavy product to be distributed across four separate weld points rather than concentrated at a single end weld, enabling the package to hold larger volumes without proportional increases in failure risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The weld configuration transitions from a simple linear end weld to a two-dimensional rectangular pattern. By adding the lateral dimension with spaced weld locations, the structure gains additional load-bearing pathways that distribute the vertical stress from the product weight across a broader area, reducing stress concentration in the web portions.
3Ease of operation
If the package is subjected to impact loads such as dropping from height, then the dispensing system remains portable and usable, but the stress concentrations at the end weld cause package failure
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforced weld configuration acts as a pre-established stress distribution system that cushions against impact loads before failure can occur. The multiple weld locations create redundant load paths that absorb and distribute impact energy, preventing the stress concentration that would otherwise lead to failure during dropping or handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The weld parameters are changed from a simple single-line configuration to a multi-point rectangular pattern with specific spacing relationships. The distance DL between weld locations and the relationship DL > WT/2 optimizes the stress distribution characteristics, enhancing impact resistance while maintaining the portability needed for ease of 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
The robust weld configuration significantly reduces failures in the Bag-On-Valve packages by distributing stress more evenly and enhancing the structural integrity, improving the package's resistance to impact loads and ensuring reliable dispensing of the fluent product.
Implementation Method 1
the flexible web portions being welded to each other to define a pair of laterally spaced, longitudinally extending edge welds and further being welded to each other and to the tailpiece to define an end weld
Data Source
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AI summary
A package (52) is provided for containing and dispensing a fluent product. The package (52) includes a fitment body (18) having a tailpiece (40) defining a dispensing passage (19) extending along a longitudinal axis (23), and a collapsible pouch (12) for containing a fluent product to be dispensed, the pouch (12) defined by at least two opposing, flexible, web portions (24). The fitment body (18) extends from a dispensing end (33) of the pouch (12) with the tailpiece (40) being sandwiched between the flexible web portions (24), and the flexible web portions (24) being welded to each other and to the tailpiece (40) to define a robust weld structure (54).