Disposable Container Flap with Segmented Fold Line
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing opening/closing devices for disposable flexible containers, such as wet wipe containers, face issues with stress concentration leading to material tearing and insufficient flexibility, causing the flap to spontaneously close during use.
Innovation Solution
A flexible base sheet with aligned discontinuous cuts forming a fold line and contour cuts defining an opening/closing flap, which is adhered to the container using a re-adherable or permanent adhesive, providing enhanced flexibility and stress distribution to maintain the flap in an open position without spontaneous closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple fold line connects the collapsible flap to the base sheet, then the structure is simple, but the flexibility is insufficient causing the flap to close spontaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The fold line is segmented into multiple discrete cuts rather than a continuous line. This segmentation allows each cut segment to act independently, providing sufficient flexibility for the flap to remain open while maintaining structural integrity of the base sheet.
2Shape
If opposing curved terminations are used at the ends of contour cuts, then the flap opening is defined, but stress concentration causes material tearing
Solution Approach 1:
The problematic curved terminations are completely removed from the design. Instead, straight line segments are used to define the flap opening, eliminating the stress concentration points that caused material tearing while still achieving the required geometric definition.
3Ease of operation
If the upper layer has high flexibility for hinge function, then the flap can open easily, but it cannot keep the flap in open position
Solution Approach 1:
The fold line is divided into multiple discrete cuts rather than a continuous flexible joint. This segmentation provides just enough flexibility for opening while the distributed structure helps maintain positional stability when open.
Solution Approach 2:
Rounded corners are incorporated at the ends of the fold line cuts and flap boundaries. These curved transitions distribute stress more evenly and prevent spontaneous closing while maintaining ease of opening motion.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the lower layer has high rigidity for consistency, then the base sheet is stable, but printing on the sheet becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The base sheet is constructed with varying local properties: the lower layer provides overall rigidity and stability for handling, while specific regions (where printing occurs) have modified characteristics through the multi-layer construction that accommodate printing requirements. The fold line area has reduced rigidity for flexibility.
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 effectively prevents material tearing and maintains the flap in an open position, ensuring secure sealing and easy access to the dispensing opening, while allowing for printing on the first layer and using an impermeable protective layer for moisture preservation.
Implementation Method 1
provided with a lower surface covered by a re-adherable adhesive or a permanent adhesive envisaged for being adhered to a silicone varnish applied on the flexible wall
Implementation Method 2
said opening/closing flap being connected to the rest of the base sheet by a fold line acting as a hinge
Data Source
AI summary
The opening/closing device for a disposable flexible container includes a base sheet (1) having a first layer (1a) with a lower surface covered by a first adhesive (3), a second layer (1b) attached on the first layer (1a) by a second adhesive (8a), and contour cuts (5) defining an opening/closing flap (2) connected to the rest of the base sheet (1) by a fold line (6) that has aligned discontinuous cuts affecting both the first and second layers (1a, 1b) and the first and second adhesives (3, 8a). Optionally, the base sheet (1) includes a third layer (1c) attached on the second layer (1b) by a third adhesive (8b), and optionally the aligned discontinuous cuts of the fold line (6) also affect the third layer (1c).