Flexible Container Neck Angle for One-Hand Dispensing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible containers with dual handles require two-hand operation to prevent spillage, which is cumbersome and requires careful handling to avoid handle interference with the dispensing flow.

Innovation Solution

A flexible container design featuring gusseted side panels with specific seal structures and a spout configuration that allows for one-hand operation and improved dispensing control, including a neck angle of 45° to less than 90°, enabling self-standing and efficient content dispensing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If dual handles are added to the flexible container, then carrying and transport stability is improved, but operation complexity increases requiring two-hand operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer stabilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The handle system is segmented into a primary top handle for carrying and a secondary bottom handle for support, allowing the container to be stabilized without requiring both handles to be actively manipulated during dispensing operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The container structure itself provides stability through its gusseted design and handle configuration, eliminating the need for external support or complex two-handed manipulation techniques

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If the container remains flexible and pliable, then dispensing control is improved, but handle interference with dispensing flow occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing controlVSAvoidhandle interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The neck angle is designed asymmetrically at 45° to less than 90° relative to the container axis, positioning the spout away from the handle path and preventing handle interference with the dispensing flow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The dispensing function is relocated to the neck/spout region at an angled orientation, separating the dispensing flow path from the handle manipulation plane and eliminating interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If the neck angle is set at 45° to less than 90°, then dispensing efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing efficiencyVSAvoidneck angle precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The neck angle parameter is specified as a range (45° to less than 90°) rather than a single precise value, providing manufacturing tolerance flexibility while maintaining dispensing efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The neck angle design provides more than sufficient dispensing efficiency with the angled configuration, allowing for broader manufacturing tolerances without compromising functional performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS11807423B2Flexible container

Publication Date: 2023.11.07 DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a flexible container. In an embodiment, the flexible container includes (A) a front panel, a rear panel, a first gusseted side panel, and a second gusseted side panel. The gusseted side panels adjoin the front panel and the rear panel along peripheral seals to form a chamber. Each peripheral seal has (i) a body seal inner edge (BSIE) with opposing ends, (ii) a top tapered seal inner edge (t-TSIE) extending from a top end of each BSIE, (iii) a neck seal inner edge (NSIE) extending from a top end of each t-TSIE, (iv) a neck arc extending between each NSIE and t-TSIE, and (v) a plane (N) extending through each neck arc. Each NSIE forms a neck angle with the plane (N), and the neck angle is from 45° to less than 90°.