Flexible Container Pop-Up Spout Design for Seal Alignment and Pour Geometry
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flexible pouches are limited by the peripheral edge location of their fitments, leading to restricted pour geometry and high seal failure rates due to precise alignment requirements, and they lack alternative pour geometries and leakage prevention.
Innovation Solution
A flexible container with a surface-mounted pop-up spout made of ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer, featuring a telescopic design that allows for improved flow direction and volume control, and is integrated with a flexible valve and pressure-sensitive-adhesive protection for aseptic and tamper-evident functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional fitment is used at the peripheral edge of the flexible pouch, then the pouch can be sealed and structured, but the pour geometry is restricted and seal failure rate increases due to precise alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The fitment is relocated from the peripheral edge (2D surface location) to the interior volume (3D space) of the pouch. This dimensional shift allows the fitment to be positioned away from the sealing edge, eliminating the need for precise alignment between the fitment base and flexible films during sealing, thereby reducing seal failure rates while maintaining manufacturing ease
2Adaptability or versatility
If a peripheral edge fitment is used, then the pouch structure is maintained, but the pour geometry options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The fitment incorporates a telescopic spout mechanism that can extend and retract, providing dynamic adjustment of the pour spout position and orientation. This dynamic capability enables multiple pour geometry configurations (different angles, heights, and directions) from a single fitment location, significantly increasing pour geometry versatility without compromising pouch structural integrity
3Ease of manufacture
If a rigid pour spout is used at the peripheral edge, then the pouch can be sealed, but leakage occurs during production and the location is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible membrane acts as an intermediary between the pouch interior and the rigid pour spout. This membrane can seal around the spout during production to prevent leakage, then flexibly opens to allow the spout to extend for pouring. The intermediary membrane resolves the conflict between maintaining a sealed structure during manufacturing and allowing controlled leakage/flow during use
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 flexible container with a pop-up spout provides enhanced pouring control, comfort, and leakage prevention, enabling flexible usage and improved manufacturing efficiency through form-fill and seal production, while minimizing seal failure rates and offering aseptic conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The pop-up spout comprises an ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer
Implementation Method 2
A pressure-sensitive-adhesive (PSA) film prevents premature extension of the spout
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2A
Figure 3~3A
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a flexible container. In an embodiment, the flexible container includes a first multilayer film and a second multilayer film. Each multilayer film comprises an inner seal layer. The multilayer films are arranged such that the seal layers oppose each other and the second multilayer film is superimposed on the first multilayer film. The multilayer films are sealed along a common peripheral edge. The flexible container includes an orifice in one of the multilayer films, and a pop-up spout extends through the orifice. The pop-up spout has a flange sealed to the multilayer film around the orifice. The pop-up spout comprises an ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer.