Package Fitment With Biasing Member and Mechanical Stop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging solutions, such as hinged lid fitments, often make it difficult to access and reseal wet or sanitary wipes, potentially damaging the package and reducing the product's useful life due to inadequate resealing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A fitment with a base and lid that includes an elastic band to bias the lid towards an open position, a mechanical stop to limit the lid's opening angle, and a latch mechanism to retain the lid in the closed position until user input, allowing for easy access and resealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hinged lid fitment is used to allow access to the package contents, then the package can be opened and closed without cutting or tearing, but it becomes difficult to open the lid, remove an article, and close the lid while still holding the article
Solution Approach 1:
The fitment is divided into separate functional components: a base with opening, a lid with protrusion, a biasing member (elastic band), a latching mechanism, and a mechanical stop. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the overall system easier to operate while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member automatically biases the lid toward the open position, and the mechanical stop automatically limits the opening angle. These self-actuating features reduce the effort required by the user to operate the lid while maintaining controlled functionality
2Ease of operation
If the lid is allowed to open fully to access the contents, then complete access to the package is achieved, but the lid may open past a desired angle causing damage or improper positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical stop is pre-positioned on the base to engage with the lid protrusion at a predetermined angle. This preliminary positioning ensures that the lid cannot open past the desired angle, preventing damage and maintaining proper positioning before the user even attempts to open the package
Solution Approach 2:
The lid protrusion acts as an intermediary element that transmits the opening motion from the lid to the mechanical stop on the base. This intermediary mechanism precisely controls the lid's rotation and ensures it stops at the correct angle, balancing full access with controlled positioning
3Reliability
If a latch mechanism is added to retain the lid in the closed position, then the package can be securely sealed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching function is extracted as a separate, simple mechanism distinct from the lid and base structures. This dedicated latch component provides secure sealing while keeping the overall design manageable by separating the sealing function from the structural elements
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism is integrated with the existing lid and base structures, combining the sealing function with the overall fitment assembly. This merging approach provides secure closure without requiring entirely separate systems, managing complexity through functional integration
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 easy opening and closing of the package while maintaining the product's integrity, extending the useful life of wet or sanitary wipes by ensuring effective resealing and preventing moisture transfer.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic band which is in tension when the lid is in the closed position relative to the base and which biases or urges the lid toward the open position
Data Source
AI summary
A fitment suitable for use with a pouch or package, for example for dispensing wet wipes or the like, having a base and a lid member. The lid is movable between a closed position and an open position and includes a biasing member for biasing the lid toward the open position. The fitment may include a mechanical stop that limits the degree to which the lid may be opened.