Flowpack Wrapper with Closing Bellows for Tear-Separable Multipacks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packaging methods for multiple packages, such as multipacks and segmented packages, face issues like excessive material consumption, difficulty in forming sealing lines with products inside, resistance during separation, and air masses hindering package compression.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a modified flowpack packaging process where the wrapping material forms channel-shaped parts connected by a parallel line, allowing for easy separation of identical wrappers with a tear-separable connection, using heat-sealing or ultrasound sealing, and forming transverse sealing lines to create 'closing bellows' for secure separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional multipacks are used to create multiple packages, then individual wrappers can be grouped together, but packaging material consumption increases considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual wrappers into a single integrated package structure where the wrapping material forms multiple channel-shaped parts that are connected and sealed together. This allows multiple products to be packaged simultaneously in one continuous wrapping process, reducing the need for separate packaging operations and minimizing overall material consumption compared to traditional multipacks.
Solution Approach 2:
The wrapping material is segmented into multiple channel-shaped parts (first, second, and third channel-shaped parts) that can be formed separately and then connected together. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while enabling efficient production of multiple individual wrappers from a single continuous material stream.
2Ease of manufacture
If sealing lines are formed after products are inserted in traditional flowpack, then packaging process is simple, but sealing lines oppose considerable resistance during separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by forming the channel-shaped parts and their connecting structures before the final sealing operation. The channel-shaped parts are formed and positioned, then connected together through sealing lines that are designed to be tear-separable. This preliminary formation allows the structure to be built up efficiently while the final sealing creates controlled separation points that do not oppose excessive resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing lines are designed with local quality variations - they are strong enough to maintain package integrity during normal handling and storage, but include specific tear-separable characteristics at designated locations. This allows the sealing lines to have different properties at different positions: strong where needed for structural integrity, and controlled-weak where separation is required.
3Productivity
If air masses remain in the package during sealing line formation, then packaging process is faster, but air masses hinder subsequent squeezing and sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The package structure is segmented into multiple channel-shaped parts with defined air evacuation paths. The channel-shaped parts are formed in a segmented manner that allows air to be systematically removed from each section before sealing, preventing air masses from hindering the sealing process while maintaining efficient production speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
Air evacuation is performed as a preliminary action before the sealing line formation. The channel-shaped parts are formed and positioned, air is removed from the structure, and only then are the sealing lines formed. This preliminary air removal ensures that the sealing process is not hindered by air masses while maintaining productivity.
4Ease of operation
If channel-shaped parts are connected along a parallel line between facing walls, then separation is easy and safe, but the connection must be tear-separable to prevent accidental opening
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between channel-shaped parts has local quality variations - it is designed to be tear-separable at specific locations while maintaining structural integrity elsewhere. The sealing lines are positioned and configured to provide controlled separation points that allow easy and safe separation when intended, while preventing accidental opening during normal handling and storage.
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
This method enables efficient production of multiple packages with convenient and safe separation of individual wrappers, reducing material waste and preventing accidental opening, while maintaining product integrity and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
using heat-sealing or ultrasound sealing
Implementation Method 2
using heat-sealing or ultrasound sealing
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A method for making a paired package (20) comprising a first flowpack wrapper (30) and a second flowpack wrapper (40). The first flowpack wrapper (30) contains a first product (P), and is formed by a first wrapping of sheet material that is closed to form a tube along a first longitudinal sealing line (162) and is provided with a first closing bellows (166) on both of its opposite ends. The second flowpack wrapper (40) contains a second product (P') and is formed by a second wrapping of sheet material that is closed to form a tube along a second longitudinal sealing line (164) and is provided with a second closing bellows (166'). The first and second wrappers are set alongside one another in a direction transverse to the aforesaid first and second longitudinal sealing lines (162, 164), and are connected to one another in a tear-separable way, at one or both of their opposite ends, in an area corresponding to the aforesaid first and second bellows (166, 166').