Flexible Liquid Package With V-Shape Corner Welds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercially available packages for liquids, especially food products, suffer from uncontrolled release and inability to retain the product after opening, and are not self-supporting for stacking due to the head space and design of the upper welds.
Innovation Solution
A flexible package design with a linear head weld parallel to the liquid level and additional side welds forming a V configuration at the upper corners, minimizing head space and allowing for controlled release and self-supporting capabilities, enabling stacking and secure retention of the product.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a linear head weld is formed in close proximity of the liquid level to reduce head space, then the package becomes self-supporting and can be stacked, but the package structure becomes more complex requiring additional side welds
Solution Approach 1:
The upper closure weld is segmented into a linear head weld and two diagonal side welds that meet at the symmetry plane. This segmentation allows the head weld to be positioned close to the liquid level for stability while the side welds provide structural support to prevent collapse, resolving the contradiction between self-supporting capability and structural complexity.
2Productivity
If the head weld is positioned close to the liquid level to minimize head space, then stacking efficiency improves, but controlled release of liquid upon opening becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The diagonal side welds are pre-configured to meet at the symmetry plane, creating a predetermined collapse path. When the package is opened, this pre-configured structure allows controlled release of liquid through the symmetrical collapse mechanism, while the head weld remains close to the liquid level for efficient stacking. The preliminary structural design enables both stacking efficiency and controlled release.
3Ease of operation
If conventional opening methods are used by cutting or tearing at the weld, then opening is simple, but uncontrolled release of liquid occurs and product retention is not guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The package transition from rigid to collapsed state is made dynamic and controlled through the diagonal side weld configuration. When opening force is applied, the symmetrical V-shaped weld structure collapses in a controlled manner, maintaining product retention while allowing easy opening. The dynamic collapse mechanism ensures both operational simplicity and reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A description is given of a package (1, 1') in flexible material for liquid, pasty products or the like, closed above by a linear head weld (7) which joins two opposed walls (4, 5), at which a pair of opposed welds (10, 11) is provided, in proximity of at least one upper corner (8) of the package, these opposed welds (10, 11) tending to meet at the centre line of the package and determining a flattening of the corresponding upper corner (8).