Heat Sealable Discharge Control Device for Pharmaceutical Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging systems for loosely packed solid products, such as pharmaceuticals, face challenges in achieving a definitive and sealed closure using heat sealing, especially when a discharge control device is fitted onto containers like flasks or jars, making it difficult to automate mass production and ensuring products are not discharged unintentionally.
Innovation Solution
A storage and distribution assembly that includes a container with a discharge control device featuring a heat sealable design, where the device is inserted into the container's neck with a heat seal applied to the upper peripheral surface and/or the main distribution opening, ensuring a secure seal and controlled product dispensing unit by unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a discharge control device is fitted onto the container neck, then controlled product distribution is achieved, but heat sealing becomes difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge control device is segmented into a body portion and a sealing portion. The sealing portion is specifically designed to be heat sealable and is positioned at the container neck, while the body portion contains the distribution functionality. This segmentation allows the heat sealable part to contact the container neck for sealing, while the distribution control features remain functional.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge control device is designed with a specific spatial arrangement where the sealing surface is positioned in a different dimension (at the periphery of the container neck) separate from the distribution opening. This dimensional separation allows both heat sealing and product distribution to occur without interference, as the sealing action happens at the peripheral sealing surface while distribution occurs through the central opening.
2Reliability
If a heat seal is applied to seal the container, then inviolability is ensured, but the discharge control device interferes with the sealing process
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge control device is pre-equipped with a heat sealable sealing portion that is specifically designed to facilitate the heat sealing process. This preliminary design feature ensures that when the heat seal is applied, it can effectively seal the container neck without being blocked or interfered with by the discharge control device, thereby ensuring inviolability while maintaining a relatively simple sealing process.
3Ease of manufacture
If the container neck is used for sealing, then simple sealing is achieved, but the discharge control device cannot be properly installed
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge control device is divided into functional segments, with the sealing portion specifically designed to interface with the container neck. This segmentation allows the device to be installed on standard container necks while maintaining the heat sealable surface, thus preserving both the simplicity of sealing and the adaptability of device installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge control device is designed with universal compatibility features, where the sealing portion can adapt to standard container neck dimensions. The device maintains both the sealing function (by providing a heat sealable surface) and the distribution function (by incorporating the discharge control mechanism), making it versatile for different container types while preserving simple sealing processes.
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 assembly effectively ensures a sealed and inviolable storage and distribution system, allowing for automated mass production and preventing accidental discharge of products, while maintaining the integrity of the packaging until first use.
Implementation Method 1
a heat seal sealed by induction onto at least one of the sealing surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an assembly for the storage and distribution of solid loosely packed products unit by unit. The assembly generally comprises a storage container, a sealing means and a discharge control device inserted into the neck of the container to permit the passage of the products to be distributed. Inviolability and sealing of the container are achieved by means of a peelable heat seal, sealed thermally onto at least one surface defined by an annular, peripheral surface of the neck of the container and/or all or part of an upper surface of the device and/or a surface of a distribution opening.