Flexible polymer packaging with increased rigidity

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional flexible packaging for nonwoven products lacks rigidity, leading to compression and deformation as contents are dispensed, resulting in a compromised structural integrity and unpleasing shape.

Innovation Solution

A flexible container with geometric deformations on its sidewalls, formed by techniques such as heating, pressure, or ultrasonic energy, to increase rigidity and maintain shape even when contents are dispensed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If flexible packaging is used for nonwoven products, then the packaging is compact and easily transportable, but the packaging lacks rigidity and deforms as contents are dispensed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of packagingVSAvoidrigidity of packaging

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The sidewalls of the flexible packaging are segmented into multiple fluted sections with alternating peaks and valleys. These flutes create rigid compartments that prevent deformation while maintaining overall flexibility of the packaging structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fluted sidewalls introduce curved surfaces with alternating convex peaks and concave valleys. These curved geometries provide structural rigidity through the arch effect, allowing the flexible packaging to maintain its shape during dispensing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Strength

If rigid plastic container is used, then rigidity and structure are provided, but the packaging is not compact and easily transportable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverigidity of packagingVSAvoidcompactness of packaging

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging uses a flexible film or laminate material that can be formed into rigid-shaped containers through the fluted sidewall structure. This combines the benefits of flexible materials with the structural integrity traditionally provided by rigid plastics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The curved fluted structure of the sidewalls provides rigidity through geometric design rather than material stiffness, enabling compact flexible packaging to achieve the structural support normally requiring rigid materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Ease of manufacture

If flexible packaging without geometric deformations is used, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but structural integrity is compromised as contents are dispensed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of manufacturingVSAvoidstructural integrity of packaging

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The fluted sidewalls divide the packaging structure into multiple rigid segments that work together to maintain structural integrity. This segmented approach provides strength while remaining compatible with standard flexible packaging manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fluted structure changes the geometric parameters of the sidewalls by introducing periodic variations in thickness and curvature. This geometric modification increases rigidity without requiring changes to the base material properties or complex manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 retains a high percentage of its initial volume and shape, ensuring effective dispensing and maintaining structural integrity throughout the use of the packaging.

Implementation Method 1

formed by techniques such as heating, pressure, or ultrasonic energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

formed by techniques such as heating, pressure, or ultrasonic energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 3

formed by techniques such as heating, pressure, or ultrasonic energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS12252329B2Flexible polymer packaging with increased rigidity

Publication Date: 2025.03.18 KIMBERLY CLARK WORLDWIDE INC

AI summary

A flexible container defining an interior volume and having one or more geometric deformations on one or more sidewalls is provided. The flexible container exhibits an increased rigidity due to the one or more geometric deformations such that the flexible container maintains a substantial portion of an internal volume and/or a height of the sidewall(s) of the flexible container when some or all of an article contained in the internal volume is dispensed. A method of forming a flexible container is also provided that includes forming a flexible container from a film or laminate, where one or more geometric deformations are formed on a wall of the flexible container.