Flexible Pouch Package with Frangible Seal for Mess-Free Condiment Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing systems for condiments in high-volume fast food service are labor-intensive, messy, and prone to damage, with containers often requiring disassembly and reassembly for refilling, leading to inefficiencies and potential contamination.
Innovation Solution
A packaging system featuring a flexible pouch with a frangible seal and a dispensing assembly that includes a valve housing and diffuser, allowing for easy dispensing of condiments without the need for frequent disassembly, while minimizing mess and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional dispensing gun assembly with cylindrical container is used, then condiments can be dispensed, but the system requires frequent disassembly and reassembly for refilling, increasing labor intensity and potential contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system is divided into distinct segments: a reusable dispensing gun assembly and a replaceable packaged product container. This segmentation allows the container to be independently replaced without disassembling the gun assembly, eliminating the need for frequent disassembly and reassembly during refilling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaged product container is designed as a single-use, disposable component that is replaced when empty. This eliminates the need to clean and maintain the container, reducing labor intensity and potential contamination from repeated handling and cleaning of the same container.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional dispensing gun assembly is used, then condiments can be dispensed, but the system is messy with condiment dripping from the nozzle between uses
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing system incorporates a valve mechanism that automatically controls condiment flow based on trigger activation. The valve remains closed during idle periods, preventing dripping, and opens only when the trigger is pulled, ensuring condiments are dispensed only when needed and eliminating mess from uncontrolled flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The conventional mechanical nozzle system is replaced with a valve-controlled dispensing mechanism. This substitution provides precise control over condiment flow, replacing the passive drip-prone nozzle with an active valve system that responds to user input, thereby eliminating unwanted dripping and mess.
3Reliability
If a conventional cylindrical container is used, then condiments can be stored, but the container can become damaged and not insert properly into the gun
Solution Approach 1:
The container employs a flexible pouch made of durable material that can withstand handling and insertion without cracking or breaking like rigid containers. The flexible nature of the pouch allows it to conform during insertion into the gun assembly, ensuring proper fit and connection while maintaining container integrity throughout use.
4Productivity
If a conventional dispensing system is used, then condiments can be dispensed, but the system is labor-intensive requiring frequent disassembly and cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a permanent dispensing gun assembly and a replaceable packaged product container. This segmentation simplifies maintenance by allowing the container to be discarded and replaced without cleaning, reducing labor intensity. The gun assembly remains simple and unchanged, maintaining ease of operation while improving overall system efficiency.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A package (50) including a pouch (60) comprising a first and a second panel (74, 76), a frangible seal (70) positioned between the panels (74, 76) and a flowable product disposed in the pouch (60); the frangible seal (70) comprises a single label (56) with a first face (55) comprising a permanent sealant (51) and a second face (57) comprising a peelable sealant (53); alternatively the frangible seal (70) comprises first and second labels (56a, 56b), with a respective permanent sealant and a peelable sealant.