Flexible Packaging with Magnetic Closure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging technologies face challenges in allowing effective one-handed opening and closure, particularly with flexible packaging that requires two hands to manage zipper-type closures.

Innovation Solution

The use of magnetically engaging regions on flexible packaging, created by magnetizable ink deposited in a pattern on the packaging material, allows for variable closure configurations and easy one-handed operation by attracting sidewalls to close or open the package.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If flexible packaging with zipper-type closures is used, then the packaging can contain dispensable items and allow partial removal, but the closure becomes difficult to open or close with one hand

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepartial quantity removal capabilityVSAvoidone-handed closure operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical zipper closure system with a magnetic closure system. Magnetic regions are applied to the packaging material to provide closure functionality, eliminating the need for mechanical zipper teeth and sliders that require two-handed operation. The magnetic attraction force enables easy one-handed opening and closing while maintaining the ability to contain and dispense items in partial quantities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the closure mechanism from mechanical interlocking to magnetic attraction. By applying magnetic regions with specific strength and configuration to the packaging material, the closure system achieves both easy one-handed operation and the ability to maintain secure closure for partial quantity removal. The magnetic field strength and distribution are optimized to balance ease of opening with secure containment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If traditional closure mechanisms are used, then the packaging structure is simple, but the closure requires two hands to operate effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosure mechanism structureVSAvoidone-handed operation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes complex mechanical closure systems with a simpler magnetic field-based closure mechanism. Magnetic regions are applied directly to the packaging material, eliminating the need for complex interlocking parts, sliders, and teeth. This magnetic system maintains structural simplicity while enabling intuitive one-handed operation through magnetic attraction and repulsion forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic closure system provides self-aligning and self-closing functionality. The magnetic regions automatically attract and align the packaging components when brought into proximity, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment that would require two hands. The magnetic force naturally guides the closure components into their proper positions during one-handed operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 efficient one-handed closure and opening of flexible packaging, providing a convenient and user-friendly solution for packaging that can be easily manipulated with a single hand.

Implementation Method 1

magnetic regions under mutual magnetic attraction... magnetizable ink deposited in a predetermined pattern... magnetically engaging portions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS10994895B2Conformable package

Publication Date: 2021.05.04 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

A flexible package that can include first and second sidewalls. The first and second sidewalls being joined by a bottom portion and seams that define first and second sides. The package can have an opening opposite the bottom portion, a first plurality of magnetic regions, and a second plurality of magnetic regions. The first plurality of magnetic regions can be disposed on the first sidewall near the opening and include discrete magnetic regions. A second plurality of magnetic regions can be disposed on the second sidewall near the access opening and include opposed discrete magnetic regions. The second plurality of magnetic regions being opposite the first plurality of magnetic regions. The discrete magnetic regions and the opposed discrete magnetic regions can be magnetically engageable with a magnetic force to close the opening of the package in a configuration having M petals, where M is an integer from 2 to 8.