Flexible Fitment for Flexible Container Using Multi-Block Copolymer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flexible pouches with rigid pour spouts require specialized heat seal equipment and precise alignment, leading to inefficiencies, high production costs, and quality control issues due to misalignment and leakages.
Innovation Solution
A flexible container design featuring a fitment base made from ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer, sealed between multilayer films using a two-stage heat seal process, eliminating the need for winglets and simplifying the sealing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid pour spouts with winglets are used, then adhesion between spout and flexible film is promoted, but specialized heat seal equipment and precise alignment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter of the spout base from rigid materials to thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), which exhibit rubber-like elasticity and flexibility. This material parameter change allows the spout base to conform to the flexible film during sealing, eliminating the need for specialized heat seal bars and precise alignment mechanisms while maintaining strong adhesion through elastic recovery and conformal contact
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite material properties by selecting thermoplastic elastomers that combine the elasticity of rubber with the processability of thermoplastics. This composite material approach provides both the adhesion strength of rigid structures and the flexibility needed for simplified sealing processes, resolving the contradiction between strong bonding and equipment simplicity
2Strength
If rigid pour spouts with winglets are used, then adhesion between spout and flexible film is promoted, but production downtime for alignment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic flexibility to the spout base through thermoplastic elastomers, allowing it to adapt its shape during the sealing process. The spout base can deform to match the flexible film contours during sealing and then recover its original shape, eliminating the need for time-consuming static alignment procedures while maintaining strong adhesion bonds
3Strength
If rigid pour spouts with winglets are used, then adhesion between spout and flexible film is promoted, but misalignment and leakage failure rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter from rigid to elastic thermoplastic elastomers, which provide inherent alignment tolerance. The elastic nature of TPEs allows the spout base to self-align with the flexible film during sealing, reducing misalignment issues and preventing leakage while maintaining strong adhesion through elastic recovery
4Manufacturing precision
If specialized heat seal bars are used, then winglet sealing is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter of the spout base to thermoplastic elastomers that can be sealed with conventional flat heat seal bars. This material parameter change eliminates the need for expensive, specialized shaped heat seal bars while maintaining adequate sealing precision through the elastic conformability of the TPE material
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 solution reduces production costs, minimizes downtime, and enhances sealing efficiency by allowing flat bar sealing without crazing or cracking, resulting in a hermetic seal that is both flexible and recyclable.
Implementation Method 1
The base is sealed to each multilayer film at a portion of the common peripheral edge
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a container. In an embodiment, a flexible container (8) is provided and includes a first multilayer film (16) and a second multilayer film (18). Each multilayer film includes a seal layer. The multilayer films are arranged such that seal layers oppose each other and the second multilayer film is superimposed on the first multilayer film. The films are sealed along a common peripheral edge (20). The flexible container includes a fitment (10) having a base (12). The base (12) includes an ethylene/a-olefin multi-block copolymer. The flexible container includes a fitment seal (22) comprising the base located between the multilayer films. The base is sealed to each multilayer film at a portion of the common peripheral edge (20).