Flexible Container Fitment Base d/WT Ratio Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flexible containers with gusseted bodies and rigid fitments face limitations in terms of fitment base diameter and material thickness, which restricts the geometry and compatibility with multi-panel containers, and existing fitments with canoe-shaped bases or radial fins are not practical for containers with three or more panels.
Innovation Solution
A flexible container design featuring four panels made of multilayer film with a fitment having a base with a cross-sectional shape and a d/WT ratio from 35 to 800, allowing for a larger fitment base diameter and thin-wall structure, enabling improved seal strength, transparency, reduced material usage, and compatibility with various panel configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid fitment is used to withstand heat and compression force during sealing, then sealing reliability is improved, but the fitment base diameter is constrained and material thickness must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the fitment base by introducing a uniform diameter (d) and controlling the d/WT ratio to be between 35 and 800. This parameter optimization allows the fitment to achieve adequate sealing reliability while maintaining a larger base diameter and thinner wall thickness compared to conventional rigid fitments.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional canoe-shaped or radial fin bases are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but compatibility with containers having three or more panels is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal fitment base design with uniform diameter that can be adapted to containers with any number of panels (two to six or more). This universal geometry replaces the panel-specific canoe-shaped and radial fin designs, enabling the same fitment structure to work across different container configurations while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
3Strength
If fitment base diameter is enlarged, then seal strength is improved, but material usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the d/WT ratio parameter to achieve enhanced seal strength while controlling material usage. By maintaining this specific ratio range, the fitment achieves adequate sealing performance with thinner wall thickness and reduced material quantity compared to conventional designs that simply increase wall thickness to achieve seal strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs thin-wall fitment construction that utilizes the flexibility and distribution of material in a thin-shell structure to achieve adequate seal strength. This thin-film approach reduces material usage while maintaining sealing effectiveness through optimized geometry and uniform diameter distribution rather than relying on thick walls.
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 design enhances seal strength, allows for a transparent fitment, reduces material usage, and accommodates a thin-wall fitment, providing improved mechanical performance and flexibility while being compatible with containers having two to six or more panels.
Implementation Method 1
The base (72) sealed in the neck (30)
Data Source
Figure 1~6
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a flexible container. In an embodiment, the flexible container includes (A) four panels, each panel comprising a flexible multilayer film. The flexible multilayer film includes a polymeric material composed of a polymeric material. The four panels form (i) a body, and (ii) a neck. The flexible container includes (B) a fitment having a top portion and a base. The fitment is composed of a polymeric material. The base is sealed in the neck. The base has (C) a cross-sectional shape with a diameter (d), and the base has a wall thickness (WT). The base has a d/WT ratio wherein the d/WT ratio (in mm) is from 35 to 800.