Flow-wrap pack peelable fin seal for wipes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flow-wrap packs for wipes and tissues require complex removal systems involving additional parts like resealable labels or plastic closures, which are inconvenient and complicate the packaging process, often resulting in mismatched printing and increased labor.

Innovation Solution

A flow-wrap pack design featuring a fin seal with peelable and resealable longitudinal sealing strips that form a handle for easy opening and reclosing, eliminating the need for die cuts and additional labels, and utilizing a multilayer film with different polymers for enhanced sealing and print integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a die cut opening with resealable label or plastic closure is introduced to enable removal and reclosing of the flow-wrap pack, then the pack can be opened and reclosed, but the structure becomes more complex and the packaging process becomes more laborious

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremoval and reclosing convenienceVSAvoidpackaging structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the unnecessary die cut opening and separate resealable label or plastic closure components. Instead, it uses the existing fin seal structure with a tear line that allows direct opening and reclosing of the flow-wrap pack without additional parts, thereby simplifying the packaging structure while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention combines the opening and reclosing functions into the existing fin seal structure itself. The tear line is integrated into the fin seal, allowing the seal to be broken for opening and then resealed without requiring separate removal systems or additional components, thus reducing structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If a resealable label is applied over the die cut opening to enable reclosing, then the pack can be reclosed, but the printing may not match due to different printing processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereclosing capabilityVSAvoidprinting consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention eliminates the separate resealable label that causes printing mismatch issues. By removing this additional component and using the fin seal's inherent reclosing capability instead, the printing consistency is maintained as no separate printing process is required for a label

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The fin seal structure serves multiple functions: it provides the seal, contains the tear line for opening, and enables reclosing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate resealable label, thereby avoiding printing consistency issues while maintaining reclosing capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If additional parts like resealable labels or plastic closures are integrated into the flow-wrap pack, then removal and reclosing is enabled, but the packaging process requires additional steps rendering it more laborious and complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremoval system functionalityVSAvoidpackaging process efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes additional parts like resealable labels or plastic closures from the packaging structure. By using only the fin seal with an integrated tear line, the packaging process is simplified and becomes more efficient without requiring additional steps for applying or managing separate components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the removal system functionality directly into the fin seal structure through the tear line. This integration eliminates the need for separate additional parts and reduces the number of packaging process steps, thereby improving productivity while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 simplifies the removal and reclosing process, increases packaging speed, and maintains print quality by integrating the sealing mechanism within the film, reducing the complexity and additional steps in the packaging process.

Implementation Method 1

The two longitudinal sealing strips extend parallel to the side edges of the film adjacent to a non-sealing end region arranged on the same side of the film

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 2

the sealing strips are peelable and resealable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPeeling:

Implementation Method 3

After removing the item the sealing strips are pressed to one another and folded back down against the back wall in order to reseal the flow-wrap pack

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResealing:

Data Source

PatentEP3152126B1Flow-wrap pack
Publication Date: 2019.11.13 AMCOR FLEXIBLES UK
  • EP3152126B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3152126B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3152126B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a flow-wrap pack (1) for wipes and tissues having a film (3) defining a front wall (5) and a back wall (7), a longitudinal sealed seam in the form of a fin seal (9) and two transverse sealed seams (11) defining a product space. The fin seal (9) is formed by two longitudinal sealing strips (15) arranged on a side of the film (3) facing the product space and extending parallel to the side edges (17) of the film (3) adjacent to a non-sealing end region (13) arranged on the same side of the film (3). The sealing strips (15) are peelable and resealable.