Compressible Pouch Bottom with Segmented Collapsible Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Collapsible reclosable storage containers face difficulties in air removal due to small one-way valve channels being easily blocked, making it hard to compress contents effectively and risking accidental obstruction of air escape.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a multiplicity of collapsible channels across the bottom of the container, with each channel having an air inlet in communication with the storage chamber and an air outlet external to the pouch, formed by zigzag or wave-shaped heat seals, allowing efficient air removal and preventing ambient air re-entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a small number of one-way valve channels are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of air removal deteriorates because channels can be easily blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The one-way valve is segmented into multiple discrete channels distributed across the bottom surface of the pouch. Instead of relying on a single channel or a few channels, the valve consists of many individual channels (e.g., 10-50 or more), each capable of independent air flow. This segmentation ensures that if some channels are blocked, air can still escape through other channels, thereby maintaining reliable air removal functionality.
2Device complexity
If one-way valve channels are disposed adjacent to bottom seal, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates because user hands can accidentally block the channels
Solution Approach 1:
The one-way valve channels are distributed across the bottom surface area of the pouch rather than being concentrated in a single location adjacent to the bottom seal. By spreading the channels across two dimensions (width and length of the bottom surface), the design reduces the probability that a user's hand will simultaneously block multiple channels, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining simple device configuration.
3Reliability
If multiple collapsible channels are used, then the reliability of air removal is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiplicity of channels
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual one-way valve channels are merged into a single integrated valve structure located at the bottom of the pouch. The channels share common structural features including the collapsible membrane mechanism and the integration with the pouch bottom material. This merging approach achieves reliable air removal through multiple channels while avoiding the complexity of having separate, independent valve assemblies for each channel.
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 design enhances air removal efficiency by ensuring air can escape through multiple channels, reducing the risk of obstruction and maintaining airtight compression, even when some channels are blocked.
Implementation Method 1
a one-way valve through which excess air is removed from the pouch
Implementation Method 2
When the contents of the pouch are compressed by a user pushing down on or rolling the pouch, air from the storage chamber containing the compressible contents is forced through some or all of the air inlets and into the associated channels
Implementation Method 3
The channels may be formed by a series of zigzag or wave-shaped heat seals or heat seals have other shapes
Implementation Method 4
When the channels have been fully opened, continued pushing down on or rolling the pouch causes the air that was forced into the channels to escape via the associated air outlets. When the pressure exerted on the pouch by the user is removed, the channels collapse
Data Source
AI summary
Compressible reclosable storage containers (e.g., pouches) having a one-way valve disposed along the bottom of the container. In one configuration, the reclosable pouch comprises a receptacle having a storage chamber and a mouth in communication with the storage chamber, and an airtight closure for closing the mouth. The receptacle comprises two walls made of thermoplastic web material, two side seals that include respective marginal portions of the two walls, and a vent that extends from one side seal to the other. The vent comprises a multiplicity of collapsible channels, each channel comprising a respective air inlet in flow communication with the storage chamber and a respective air outlet in flow communication with space external to the pouch. The channels may be formed by a series of zigzag or wave-shaped heat seals or heat seals have other shapes.