Injection Molded Container Opening Element with Support Ribs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing opening systems for containers, particularly those with injection molded components, face issues such as increased force requirements due to residual molded material and material dislocation, leading to potential tearing and compromised structural integrity, especially for individuals with reduced muscular capability or motor skill injuries.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a support element with elongated ribs is used during injection molding to stabilize the packaging material and guide the opening element, minimizing material dislocation and residue formation, allowing for a cleaner cut and reduced force needed to open the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If injection molded components are used in the opening mechanism, then the opening system can be manufactured with integrated structures, but residues of molded material are deposited which increases the force required to break open the container
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes residues of molded material from the opening zone after the injection molding process. This is achieved through specific mold design features that enable automatic removal of excess material, preventing it from interfering with the opening mechanism's function and reducing the force needed to open the container.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary actions during the injection molding process itself to prevent residue formation and material dislocation. Support elements are positioned in advance to guide material flow and prevent it from propagating into areas where it would cause tearing or increase opening force.
2Manufacturing precision
If material is pressurized to propagate through the strip zone during injection molding, then the opening element is formed, but material dislocation occurs at or around the opening zone which compromises structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces support elements as intermediary structures between the injection molding material and the packaging material. These support elements act as mediators that guide the material propagation process, preventing direct dislocation and tearing of the packaging material while still allowing the opening element to be formed correctly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing targeted support only in specific areas where material propagation occurs. The support elements are strategically positioned to provide reinforcement exactly where needed to prevent tearing, while leaving other areas of the packaging material unchanged.
3Ease of operation
If the opening mechanism is designed to break open with small force for individuals with reduced muscular capability, then ease of operation is improved, but the packaging material may tear outside the opening zone due to force propagation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the force application and material structure into distinct zones. The opening element is designed to concentrate and localize the opening force specifically at the intended opening zone, while support elements prevent force propagation to other areas. This segmentation ensures that low opening force does not compromise the reliability of controlled opening.
4Ease of manufacture
If residues of molded material are present in the opening zone, then manufacturing is simplified, but dislocation of packaging material occurs which increases risk of unintentional tearing during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of material propagation into a beneficial process by using it to form the opening element precisely where needed. The support elements guide this material flow to create the desired opening mechanism structure while preventing it from becoming harmful residues that would cause tearing during transportation.
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 solution provides an opening system with fewer manufacturing defects, reduced force required for opening, improved injection molding, easier operation, and increased robustness, ensuring a cleaner and safer opening mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
molding an injection molded opening element by pressurizing a material from which the opening element is to be formed so that said material propagates from the inside of the packaging material to the outside
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2
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AI summary
A method of manufacturing an opening system for a container is disclosed. The container comprises a packaging material having an outside and an inside, and a strip zone arranged in the packaging material and being configured to be opened when opening the container. The method comprises molding an injection molded opening element by pressurizing a material from which the opening element is to be formed so that said material propagates from the inside of the packaging material to the outside thereof, through the strip zone, while having arranged a support element at the outside of the packaging material to contact at least part of the strip zone and at least part of the packaging material at a first portion thereof outside the strip zone, along a plane in which the packaging material extends, where said material propagates. An opening system for a container and a mold for manufacturing an opening system is also disclosed.