Flexible Pouch With Metering Handle for Flowable Products
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible packaging for flowable products lacks efficient and accurate metering and dispensing solutions, often requiring users to manually measure and transfer contents, which is time-consuming and prone to inaccuracies, especially for small quantities where complex and expensive devices are unnecessary.
Innovation Solution
A flexible dispensing pouch with a storage compartment, a dispensing compartment, and a one-way dividing seal that allows controlled dispensing of flowable products through a support member, enabling precise metering and dispensing by increasing internal pressure to force the product through a channel into the dispensing unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If users utilize a package cap as the measuring device, then measurement capability is provided, but the device becomes more complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the storage compartment and dispensing compartment into a single integrated pouch structure, eliminating the need for separate measuring devices. The pouch itself serves both storage and measurement functions through its flexible nature and controlled dispensing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The pouch is designed to perform multiple functions: storage, metering, and dispensing. The flexible pouch can be compressed to control the amount of product dispensed, making it a multi-functional device that replaces traditional separate containers and measuring tools.
2Measurement precision
If complex metering devices are used to dispense measured volumes, then measurement precision is improved, but the device becomes undependable and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible pouch is self-regulating through its physical properties. When compressed, the pouch naturally controls the flow of product through the dispensing opening, providing inherent metering without complex mechanical or electronic components that could fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple, inexpensive flexible pouch that can be disposed of after use, eliminating the need for expensive, complex, and potentially unreliable reusable metering devices. The simplicity of the design ensures reliability while reducing cost.
3Ease of operation
If the entire contents of a flexible package are used at one time, then simplicity is maintained, but waste occurs when only small amounts are required
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible pouch allows dynamic control of product dispensing. Users can compress the pouch to different degrees and for different durations to dispense varying amounts of product, enabling precise control from small to large quantities while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pouch enables parameter control through compression force and duration. By varying these parameters, users can precisely control the amount of product dispensed, allowing them to use only the necessary amount rather than the entire contents, thus preventing waste.
4Device complexity
If manual measuring and transferring is used, then device complexity is reduced, but time consumption and user effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the storage and dispensing functions into a single pouch unit, eliminating the need for separate measuring containers and transfer operations. Product flows directly from storage to dispensing through the integrated pouch structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pouch is pre-configured with a dispensing opening and internal structure that facilitates controlled flow. The metering function is built into the pouch design itself, so no preliminary measuring action is required - the pouch automatically meters product as it dispenses.
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 solution provides an efficient, accurate, and cost-effective method for dispensing precise amounts of flowable products, reducing user effort and minimizing waste, while maintaining the structural integrity of the pouch and allowing for convenient use and storage.
Implementation Method 1
increasing the internal pressure within the storage compartment to force flowable product through the channel into the support member
Data Source
AI summary
The presently disclosed subject matter is a novel adaptation of a pouch that enables the measurement and dispensing of unit doses of flowable products. Particularly, the pouch comprises a storage compartment that houses a flowable product prior to dispensing. The pouch further includes a dispensing compartment comprising a support member with a fitment to accommodate dispensing out of the pouch. The support member can function to support the pouch, such as for use as a handle or gripping area. Further, the support member allows the structural integrity of the pouch to remain intact. The pouch further includes a dividing seal comprising a one-way channel that facilitates the movement of flowable product from the storage compartment to the dispensing compartment so that dispensing and/or metering can occur.