Elastic Dosage Membrane for Controlled Pouring and Automatic Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible packages for granular or powdery products lack controlled dosage and pouring mechanisms, often requiring users to rely on predefined openings and manual closure methods, which can lead to incomplete sealing and loss of aroma or taste.
Innovation Solution
A flexible package with an elastic dosage membrane and expansion/closing plates that allow for controlled opening and automatic closure, featuring through-going incisions that expand under mechanical load and seal upon pressure release, ensuring precise dosage and minimal aroma/taste loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If predefined openings are used for pouring, then the package structure is simple, but the user has little control over pouring and dosage
Solution Approach 1:
The package employs a dynamic membrane with variable aperture size that can be adjusted by the user. The membrane transitions from a closed state to an open state with controllable opening size, allowing dynamic control over pouring rate and dosage while maintaining a relatively simple overall package structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and dimensions of the membrane opening parameter. The aperture size is variable rather than fixed, allowing the user to control the pouring characteristics by changing the opening parameter, thus achieving controlled dosage without complex mechanisms.
2Reliability
If manual closure methods (rubber bands, clips) are used, then the package can be closed after use, but users may forget or fail to close it completely, leading to aroma loss
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane automatically returns to its closed sealing position when the user releases it, without requiring any additional closing actions. The elastic recovery of the membrane provides self-closing functionality, ensuring reliable sealing and preventing aroma loss without requiring user intervention with clips or bands.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane provides tactile feedback to the user through its elastic resistance, indicating when it is properly sealed. The user can feel when the membrane returns to its closed position, providing sensory feedback that confirms reliable sealing without needing to visually check or use external closure devices.
3Ease of operation
If the package is completely closed, then product protection is maximized, but opening requires tearing or cutting which is not controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane provides a dynamic opening process where the user can progressively control the aperture size from completely closed to fully open. This allows controlled access to the product while maintaining package integrity, avoiding the need for tearing or cutting that compromises structural integrity.
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
Enables controlled and precise pouring of products while ensuring the package automatically seals after use, maintaining product quality by minimizing aroma and taste loss.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic dosage membrane, wherein the elastic dosage membrane is provided with a number of through-going or partially through-going incisions
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible package is designed to contain a product, for instance a spice or a cosmetic product, and the flexible package is formed of at least two layers of flexible material joined together to create a closed package (volume). A dosage device is arranged on an inner face of the closed package, and the dosage device includes an elastic dosage membrane having a number of incisions over at least a part of its width and length, and includes an opening device configured to stretch the elastic dosage membrane.