Folded Liner Fan-Folding Method for Overpack Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liner-based storage and dispensing systems face difficulties in inserting liners into overpacks without stressing or damaging them, leading to potential waste and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method of folding liners with a substantially tubular body, closed top and bottom, and a fitment, including gussets and fan-folding to reduce width for easy insertion, which can be sterilized and vacuum packaged for minimal stress and efficient handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the liner is inserted into the outer container through the mouth of the outer container, then the liner can be placed inside the overpack, but the liner may be stressed, damaged, or destroyed during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The liner is divided into multiple gusset sections that can be folded and collapsed independently, allowing the liner to be segmented into a compact form that fits through the overpack mouth without stressing the entire structure
Solution Approach 2:
The liner is nested within itself through fan-folding, creating a compact bundled configuration that can be easily inserted into the overpack without external stress or damage
2Strength
If the liner is made rigid and self-supporting, then the liner can stand alone, but it becomes difficult to insert into the overpack
Solution Approach 1:
The liner transitions from a rigid, self-supporting structure to a flexible, collapsible form through fan-folding, allowing it to be dynamically adjusted between structural integrity and insertability as needed
Solution Approach 2:
The liner utilizes flexible gusseted construction that maintains strength when expanded but allows easy folding and insertion when collapsed, eliminating the need for rigid self-supporting structures
3Ease of operation
If the liner is folded to reduce width for easy insertion, then the liner can be easily inserted into the overpack, but the folding process may stress or damage the liner
Solution Approach 1:
The gussets are pre-formed and the fan-folding pattern is pre-established during manufacturing, allowing the liner to be easily collapsed into its insertion configuration without excessive stress or damage during the folding process
Data Source
AI summary
A method for folding a liner for packaging and/or insertion into an overpack. The method may include providing a liner comprising a substantially tubular body portion and a closed top and bottom, and a fitment formed in or affixed to the top of the liner, forming a gusset in the bottom panel of the liner, forming a gusset in the body portion of the liner, and fan-folding the liner. In some embodiments, the top of the liner may be a substantially circular top panel and the bottom of the liner may be a substantially circular bottom panel, with the top panel being attached to one end of the tubular body portion and the bottom panel being attached to an opposite end of the tubular body portion. In other embodiments, the liner may be a flexible, blow molded liner, thereby having no weld seams.