Composite Packaging Material Polarity-Based Separation Zone

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing composite materials for packaging, such as two-layer cover boards, face challenges in balancing the detachability of the carrier and sealing layers without prematurely detaching the sealing layer from the container edge, especially when dealing with liquid contents like whey drinks, which often result in spills.

Innovation Solution

A composite material is developed with a carrier layer and a sealing layer where the surface area of the carrier layer adjoining the sealing layer contains non-polar substances and vice versa, creating a separation zone that allows for detachment without damaging the materials or prematurely detaching the sealing layer from the container edge, utilizing a process involving lamination, painting, extrusion, and predetermined breaking points produced by stamping or laser cutting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a two-layer cover board comprising a carrier layer and a sealing layer is used, then the detachability of the layers from one another is improved, but the sealing layer may be prematurely detached from the container edge

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetachability of layersVSAvoidadhesion of sealing layer to container edge
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different polarity characteristics to different surface areas of the carrier and sealing layers. Specifically, the surface area of the carrier layer adjoining the sealing layer contains non-polar substances while other areas may have different properties. This local differentiation creates a controlled separation zone that allows easy peeling while maintaining reliable sealing at the container edge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials with specific polarity distributions. The carrier layer and sealing layer are composed of materials with contrasting polarity characteristics (polar and non-polar substances) at their interface, creating a composite structure that enables both easy detachment and reliable sealing through the controlled incompatibility between polar and non-polar materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If force is applied to peel off the carrier layer from the sealing layer, then the layers separate, but the sealing layer may be damaged or prematurely detached from the container edge

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovepeelabilityVSAvoidintegrity of sealing layer
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

By concentrating the polarity difference specifically at the interface surface areas between carrier and sealing layers, the patent creates a localized weak boundary that directs the peeling force. This ensures that when force is applied, separation occurs precisely at the intended interface rather than damaging the sealing layer or detaching it from the container edge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The interface between polar and non-polar substances acts as an intermediary zone that mediates the separation process. This polarity-based interface serves as a controlled weak point that facilitates clean separation while protecting the integrity of both the carrier layer and sealing layer during the peeling process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This solution enables clean separation of the carrier and sealing layers, ensuring the sealing layer remains adhered to the container edge while allowing easy removal of packaged goods without spills, and can be applied to various packaging types, including food and chocolate containers.

Implementation Method 1

the two layers delaminating from each other when subjected to a delaminating force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDelamination:

Implementation Method 2

the sealing layer remaining adhered to the container edge despite detachment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 3

due to the different polarity, there is limited compatibility between the substances of the carrier layer on the one hand and the sealing layer on the other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolarity-based separation:

Data Source

PatentEP2040915B1Composite material, method for the production thereof, and use of the same as packing material
Publication Date: 2013.02.20 CONSTANTIA TEICH GMBH
  • EP2040915B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2040915B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2040915B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a composite material (1) comprising a carrier layer (2) and a sealing layer (3), the carrier layer being detachably connected to the sealing layer. According to the invention, a separating region (5) is formed between the carrier layer and the sealing layer, at least the surface region (2') of the carrier layer (2), bordering the sealing layer (3), comprising homopolar substances, and at least the surface region (3') of the sealing layer (3), bordering the carrier layer (2), comprising polar substances, or at least the surface region (2') of the carrier layer (2), bordering the sealing layer (3), comprising polar substances, and at least the surface region (3') of the sealing layer (3), bordering the carrier layer (2), comprising homopolar substances.