Flip-Open Package Closure with Hangtab Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional packaging solutions lack a durable and flexible closure mechanism that allows for easy access and visibility of contents while maintaining product security.
Innovation Solution
A package with a flip-open closure featuring a clear plastic flap made from flexible material, such as PET, that is coupled to a hangtab, allowing for single-handed operation and synchronized bending to open and close the package, providing product visibility and secure storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional closure mechanism is used, then product security is maintained, but ease of access and visibility of contents is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The closure mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a flexible closure flap for sealing, a hangtab for manipulation, and a recess for engagement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together to provide both easy access and secure closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure flap is designed to be flexible and dynamic, allowing it to bend and flex during opening and closing operations. The hangtab can be bent backward to initiate opening, and the flap dynamically transitions between sealed and open states, providing ease of operation while maintaining security when closed.
2Loss of information
If a clear plastic closure flap is used, then product visibility is improved, but durability and flexibility may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The closure flap is constructed from flexible plastic material that forms a thin film structure. This flexible shell design allows the clear plastic flap to maintain visibility while possessing sufficient flexibility to bend during operation and sufficient strength to provide secure closure when engaged in the recess.
Solution Approach 2:
The package employs composite material construction with a cardboard or rigid material package body combined with a flexible plastic closure flap. This composite approach allows the rigid body to provide structural strength and security while the flexible plastic flap provides visibility and operational flexibility.
3Ease of operation
If a hangtab coupled to the closure flap is used, then single-handed operation is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hangtab is merged with the closure flap to form an integrated assembly. This combination allows the hangtab to serve as both a manipulation handle for single-handed operation and as part of the closure mechanism itself, reducing overall complexity while enabling ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The hangtab performs multiple functions: it serves as a grip for bending and opening the package, as a structural connector to the closure flap, and as part of the closure system that engages with the recess. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall mechanism.
4Reliability
If the closure flap tucks under the front of the package, then secure storage is achieved, but ease of opening may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The closure flap is pre-positioned to extend beyond the front of the package and is designed to tuck under the front edge during closing. This preliminary positioning and design facilitate easy opening by allowing the hangtab to be bent backward, which automatically initiates the untucking and opening sequence without requiring additional manual manipulation.
Data Source
AI summary
A package for containing items having a flip-open package closure is provided. In some embodiments, the package includes a rigid package body and a flexible closure flap. The flexible closure flap is coupled to a hangtab portion of the package body such that the flexible closure flap moves from a closed position to an open position with respect to the package body based on a position of the hangtab portion. An upper edge of a front side of the package body engages the lower portion of the closure flap when the package is closed, while the lower edge of the closure flap is released from the upper edge upon pivoting backward of the hangtab portion. Such pivoting of the hangtab portion, and corresponding manipulation of the closure flap, may occur without directly contacting the closure flap.