Elastomeric Pouch Closure Profiles for Reliable Hot-Content Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermoplastic bags are not reusable and require different sealing mechanisms than elastomeric bags, which are desirable for their durability and ability to withstand extreme temperatures, and existing sealing systems are complex and lack ergonomic grips for handling hot contents.
Innovation Solution
A closure system for elastomeric pouches featuring a simplified sealing structure with cool touch tabs that allow easy sealing and unsealing, and ergonomic grips for comfortable handling, using a male and female closure element design with enhanced sealing profiles and ergonomic tabs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simplified sealing structure is used, then ease of operation is improved, but sealing reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is divided into distinct male and female closure elements with specific sealing profiles. The male closure element includes a sealing profile with a sealing surface, while the female closure element has a corresponding sealing profile. This segmentation allows for simplified operation through clear mating interfaces while maintaining reliable sealing through dedicated sealing surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing profiles are designed with specific local geometric features including sealing surfaces, engagement surfaces, and transition regions. The male closure element has a sealing profile with a sealing surface that contacts the female closure element's sealing profile. These localized geometric features ensure reliable sealing at critical contact points while keeping the overall structure simplified.
2Reliability
If multiple pairs of opposing interlocking closure profiles are used, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential sealing function from complex multi-profile systems and implements it through a single pair of opposing interlocking closure profiles. The male and female closure elements each have one sealing profile with complementary geometric features, eliminating the need for multiple profiles while maintaining sealing reliability through properly designed engagement and sealing surfaces.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If elastomeric material is used for re-usability, then durability is improved, but manufacturing complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system merges the male and female closure elements into a single elastomeric component formed by molding. The elastomeric material provides re-usability and durability while the molding process integrates both closure elements and their sealing profiles into one manufactured part, simplifying production compared to assembling separate components.
4Device complexity
If no ergonomic grip structure is provided, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system incorporates tabs that extend perpendicular to the plane of the closure elements, adding a third dimension to the structure. These tabs provide ergonomic grip features for handling and operation without complicating the fundamental two-dimensional sealing structure, allowing users to easily grasp and manipulate the closure system.
Data Source
AI summary
A container or pouch includes a body having a front wall and a rear wall that is connected to the front wall along a peripheral edge, and a closure system that includes a front side having a front sealing profile and a rear side having a rear sealing profile that includes a female closure element that includes an inner portion and an outer portion. The inner portion includes a cavity that extends to an innermost point of the inner portion. The cavity is defined by a first vertical plane that extends through the innermost point and is spaced from an outer surface of the rear wall in a first direction away from a longitudinal plane that extends through the peripheral edge.