Flexible pouch with microcapillary dispensing system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible pouches lack flow control capabilities, relying on rigid components for spray applications, which are heavy, expensive, and not recyclable, while existing attempts at flow control in flexible pouches are inefficient and costly due to heat sealing issues.
Innovation Solution
A flexible pouch with a microcapillary strip sealed between opposing films, allowing for controlled spray dispensing without rigid components, using a peripheral seal to form a closed storage compartment and enabling dispensing through the microcapillary channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rigid spray components are used in flexible pouches, then spray control is achieved, but weight increases and recyclability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the spray control function from rigid components and transfers it to the flexible pouch structure itself through integrated heat-sealed spouts and valves, eliminating the need for separate rigid spray components while maintaining spray control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible pouch structure is designed to perform multiple functions including containment, spray control, and dispensing through integrated heat-sealed components, making the pouch itself multi-functional rather than requiring separate rigid components for each function
2Ease of operation
If rigid spray components are used in flexible pouches, then spray control is achieved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the spray control function with the flexible pouch manufacturing process by integrating heat-sealed spouts and valves during pouch production, eliminating the need for separate rigid component assembly and reducing overall production costs
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces mechanical rigid spray components with a heat-sealed flexible system that achieves spray control through controlled sealing and valve mechanisms integrated into the pouch structure
3Ease of operation
If heat sealing process is used for rigid fitments, then spray control is achieved, but sealing reliability decreases due to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates the spout and valve structures into the pouch during the initial pouch formation process rather than adding them separately, ensuring proper alignment and sealing integrity from the start without requiring subsequent alignment operations
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 lightweight, recyclable, and cost-effective spray dispensing of liquids without rigid components, providing controlled spray patterns and reducing production costs and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible pouch with a microcapillary dispensing system
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a flexible pouch. In an embodiment, the flexible pouch includes opposing flexible films. The flexible films define a common peripheral edge. A microcapillary strip is sealed between the opposing flexible films. A first side of the microcapillary strip is located at a first side of the common peripheral edge and a second side of the microcapillary strip located at a second side of the common peripheral edge. A peripheral seal extends along at least a portion of the common peripheral edge. The peripheral seal comprises a sealed microcapillary segment. The peripheral seal forms a closed flexible pouch having a storage compartment. A liquid is present in the storage compartment.