Flexible Package Upper Base with Beveled Edges and Inclined Welds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for manufacturing flexible containers with a rigid spout require individualizing containers from a continuous laminar band, altering the manufacturing process and equipment, and result in upper bases with folded edges that can trap dirt and cause deformation during cap opening.

Innovation Solution

A method that folds a single continuous laminar band into a planar figure with a collapsed upper base, allowing for the integration of spouts without altering the manufacturing process, and features beveled edges and inclined welds to prevent dirt accumulation and enhance mechanical stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If containers are individualized from continuous laminar band to integrate spouts, then spout attachment is enabled, but manufacturing process complexity and equipment alteration are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespout integration capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spouts are integrated into the continuous laminar band before the container forming process begins. This preliminary integration allows the spouts to be automatically positioned and attached to the correct location on each container as it is formed, eliminating the need for individual container handling and complex post-forming attachment equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The spout integration process is merged with the continuous container forming process. The spouts are attached to the laminar band in a way that they become part of the container structure during forming, combining two operations (spout attachment and container formation) into a single continuous process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Shape

If folded edges are created in upper base, then container structure is formed, but dirt accumulation and mechanical weakness occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer structure formationVSAvoiddirt accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of creating sharp folded edges in the upper base, the invention uses curved surfaces and smooth transitions. The upper base is formed with a curved geometry that eliminates crevices and sharp angles where dirt could accumulate, while still providing the necessary structural form for the container.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Shape

If folded edges are created in upper base, then container structure is formed, but deformation during cap opening occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer structure formationVSAvoidmechanical stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The curved surfaces in the upper base distribute mechanical stresses more evenly during cap opening operations. The smooth transitions and rounded geometries prevent stress concentration at sharp edges, reducing deformation and improving the overall mechanical strength of the container structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Productivity

If continuous manufacturing is used, then productivity increases, but individual container customization becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous manufacturing outputVSAvoidcontainer customization capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

All necessary customizations, including spout integration and upper base formation, are performed on the continuous laminar band before the container forming process. This allows different container types to be produced by changing the preliminary processing of the band rather than requiring complex adjustments during continuous manufacturing, maintaining both high productivity and customization capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary 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

Enables continuous manufacturing of containers with integrated spouts from a single laminar band, preventing dirt accumulation and improving mechanical strength and ease of opening.

Implementation Method 1

the means necessary for performing the attachment by heat welding between the spout and the sheet portion forming the upper base

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat welding: Welding

Data Source

PatentEP2463213B1Method and machine for the continuous manufacture of packages made from flexible material

Publication Date: 2015.10.21 VOLPAK SA

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AI summary

The invention relates to a method for continuously manufacturing containers made of a flexible material from a single continuous laminar band, or from several continuous laminar bands which will be longitudinally attached to form a single continuous laminar band, which will subsequently be transversely cut. In both cases, in a stage of the production phase a single laminar band, folded over itself along longitudinal fold lines, is obtained, the cross-section of which, open or closed according to the embodiment variant, forms a planar figure in which there is distinguished the upper base of the container, which in a variant of the method comprises a portion of band previously provided with holes and corresponding spouts, collapsed on one side, said single laminar band being susceptible of being driven by means of two drive rollers.