Flexible Container Fitment Pre-Installation on Mandrel

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for producing gusseted flexible containers with rigid fitments are inefficient, requiring multiple steps, manual installation, and are labor-intensive, while also lacking in impact strength and impact resistance.

Innovation Solution

A flexible container process involving four panels forming a body, neck, and flare portion with a tapered transition, where the fitment is inserted into the flare portion and heat sealed to the neck, using a polymeric composition with enhanced Izod impact resistance, allowing for automated production and improved mechanical performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional manual installation methods are used to insert the fitment into the neck opening, then the fitment can be installed, but the process is labor intensive and time consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of fitment installationVSAvoidproduction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The fitment is pre-installed on the mandrel before the container is formed and sealed. This preliminary action allows the fitment to be in place before the heat sealing process completes, eliminating the need for manual installation after container formation and significantly improving production efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical insertion process is replaced by an automated system where the fitment is held on a mandrel and automatically positioned during the forming process. The mandrel system provides automated positioning and holding, replacing labor-intensive manual operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If the fitment is manually rotated and pushed into place, then proper alignment can be achieved, but the process is cumbersome and time consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefitment alignment precisionVSAvoidproduction time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The fitment is pre-positioned on the mandrel with correct orientation before container formation. The mandrel maintains proper alignment throughout the process, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual rotation and positioning operations while ensuring precise alignment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The mandrel serves as an intermediary device that holds the fitment in the correct position and orientation. This intermediary tool ensures precise alignment is maintained during the forming process without requiring manual adjustment, reducing both time and complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If conventional heat sealing is used to close the container bottom, then the container is sealed, but the process is interrupted and requires two steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer sealing integrityVSAvoidproduction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The fitment is pre-installed on the mandrel before the container is formed and sealed. This preliminary action allows the heat sealing process to complete in one continuous operation without interruption, as the fitment is already in place rather than requiring a second step to insert it after sealing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The heat sealing process can proceed continuously without interruption because the fitment is already positioned on the mandrel before sealing begins. This eliminates the need to interrupt the sealing process to insert the fitment, maintaining continuous productive action throughout container formation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

This process streamlines production, reduces manual labor, and enhances the impact strength and resistance of the flexible container, enabling faster and more efficient manufacturing with improved mechanical integrity.

Implementation Method 1

The fitment is composed of a polymeric composition having an Izod impact resistance from greater than 50 J/m to 500 J/m

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact resistance: Impact Force

Implementation Method 2

heat sealed to the neck

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat sealing: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS10494150B2Flexible container with fitment and process for producing same

Publication Date: 2019.12.03 DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

A flexible container is provided. The flexible container includes four panels. The four panels form (i) a body portion; (ii) a neck portion, and a flare portion that extends from the neck portion; (iii) a tapered transition portion between the body portion and the neck portion; and (iv) the neck portion has a reduced width. The flare portion has an expanded end. The width of the flare portion gradually increases from the neck portion to the expanded end.