Break-open Single-dose Package with Pre-weakened Area

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing break-open single-dose sealed packages are not suitable for containing unstable mixtures that require components to remain separate until use, as they complicate, unhygienic, and impractical to mix outside the package.

Innovation Solution

A break-open single-dose sealed package design featuring a semi-rigid plastic sheet with a pre-weakened area and a central weld that separates two chambers, allowing controlled mixing inside the package by breaking the central weld, ensuring components remain separate until actual use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If two separate chambers are created in the sealed package, then components can remain separate until use, but two distinct outlet openings must be created which complicates the mixing process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation of componentsVSAvoidmixing process
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealed package is divided into two separate chambers (first chamber and second chamber) that are insulated from one another by a central weld, allowing components to remain separated until the moment of use. This segmentation enables stable storage of unstable mixtures while maintaining simplicity in the mixing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If mixing is performed outside the sealed pocket, then components can be combined, but the mixing is complicated, unhygienic and of poor quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixing operationVSAvoidhygiene and quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mixing chamber is merged with the sealed pocket, allowing components to mix inside the sealed package rather than outside. This integration ensures hygienic conditions and high-quality mixing by containing the entire process within the sealed environment, eliminating contamination risks associated with external mixing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The package is pre-configured with two separate chambers and a breakable central weld that allows controlled mixing at the moment of use. This preliminary setup enables easy operation by simply breaking the central weld to initiate mixing, eliminating the need for complex external mixing procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If a central weld divides the pocket into two chambers, then components remain separate, but creating two outlet openings is required which complicates the system

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation of componentsVSAvoidoutlet opening structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealed package is divided into two separate chambers (first chamber and second chamber) that are insulated from one another by a central weld, allowing components to remain separated until the moment of use. This segmentation enables stable storage of unstable mixtures while maintaining simplicity in the mixing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables easy, hygienic, and effective mixing of components within the package, maintaining product integrity and simplicity in manufacturing, while being analogous to standard packaging processes.

Implementation Method 1

a pre-weakened area which guides a controlled breaking of the sheet of semi-rigid plastic material in order to cause the formation of an outlet opening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFracture Mechanics: Fracture Mechanics

Implementation Method 2

a sheet of flexible plastic material, which is set on top of and welded to the sheet of semi-rigid plastic material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Data Source

PatentEP3568360B1Break-open single-dose sealed package with a double compartment and method for the production thereof
Publication Date: 2020.11.04 EASYSNAP TECH SRL
  • EP3568360B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3568360B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3568360B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A break-open single-dose sealed package (1) and method for the production thereof; the sealed package (1) has: a first sheet (2) of semi-rigid plastic material; a second sheet (3) of flexible plastic material set on top of and welded to the first sheet (2) along an annular weld (14), so as to define a sealed pocket (4) containing a dose of a product (5); and a pre-weakened area (6) that develops transversely and is obtained in a central area of the first sheet (2); the pocket (4) is divided into two distinct and separated chambers (15) which are insulated from one another and each contain a corresponding component (16) of the product (5); and the pocket (4) is divided into the two chambers (15) due to a central weld (17) connecting the second sheet (3) to the first sheet (2) and is weak, so as to be broken by exerting pressure on at least one of the two chambers (15).