Flexible Dough Package Venting With Frangible Seams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional composite dough cans struggle with venting gas and CO2 generated by expanding dough, leading to potential premature bursting, and require rigid structures to manage internal pressure.
Innovation Solution
A flexible laminate film package with scored inner and outer layers, pressure-sensitive and permanent adhesives, and frangible seams, along with vents and an easy-opening mechanism, allowing dough to expand and vent gases while ensuring safe access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid composite can structure is used to hold dough under pressure, then the package can withstand internal pressure from expanding dough, but the package cannot easily vent gas and CO2 without premature bursting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid composite cans with flexible laminate film packages that can expand and contract. The flexible structure naturally accommodates dough expansion while maintaining pressure resistance, and the frangible seams provide controlled venting pathways that prevent premature bursting while allowing gas and CO2 to escape during normal storage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If frangible seams are introduced to allow package expansion, then the package can accommodate dough expansion, but the package may burst prematurely under internal pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The package incorporates multiple frangible seams that divide the sealing structure into segments. These segmented seams allow controlled expansion by breaking at predetermined locations, distributing the stress and preventing catastrophic failure. The segmentation enables the package to expand gradually to accommodate dough while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The frangible seams are pre-positioned and pre-engineered to break at specific pressure thresholds. This beforehand preparation creates cushioning zones that absorb expansion pressure before it reaches critical levels that would cause uncontrolled bursting. The seams act as pressure relief valves that activate only when needed.
3Reliability
If conventional seam venting is used to release gas and CO2, then venting function is provided, but the venting mechanism is complex and requires precise seam engineering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the venting function from the complex seam structure and implements it through simple frangible seams with predetermined break points. Instead of engineering complex multi-component venting mechanisms into the seams, the solution uses straightforward scored lines that break under pressure to create vent pathways, dramatically simplifying the overall package structure while maintaining reliable venting.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible laminate structure is used instead of rigid cans, then the package can expand and vent gases, but the package requires an easy-opening mechanism for safe access
Solution Approach 1:
The package incorporates a pull tab with pre-formed undercut and heat seal that creates an easy-opening mechanism during manufacturing. The pull tab is preliminarily configured with the undercut geometry and adhesive placement, so that when the consumer pulls the tab, the pre-positioned features automatically engage to break the heat seal and open the package. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex opening tools or procedures.
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 flexible package effectively manages internal pressure, vents gases, and provides a user-friendly opening mechanism, eliminating the need for rigid structures and preventing unwanted bursting.
Implementation Method 1
A heat seal is disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer along an area of the inner layer that will be scored to create and undercut.
Implementation Method 2
The pressure sensitive adhesive is pattern applied or otherwise located in a first predetermined pattern on the outer facing surface of the inner layer.
Implementation Method 3
The permanent adhesive may be pattern applied or otherwise located in a second predetermined pattern on the outer facing surface of the inner layer outside of the first predetermined pattern.
Implementation Method 4
One or more frangible seams may be formed in the package that fracture in response to internal pressure, expanding the package volume and relieving any internal pressure
Implementation Method 5
The undercut is formed by laser scoring or other suitable means in the inner layer within an area underlying the heat seal.
Implementation Method 6
One or more tortuous paths (vents) may be formed in one or both ends of the package to release gas during the shelf life of the package contents.
Data Source
AI summary
An easy opening flexible package and method of making same is provided. The package is suitable for containing raw dough and other products, especially products that create pressure within the package by expansion or by giving off gas such as carbon dioxide.