Gusseted Wet Wipe Package With Moisture-Barrier Self-Sealing Film
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gusset bags used for dry products are not suitable for storing moist wipes as they lack moisture imperviousness and self-dispensing functionality, while existing solutions with bi-layer films face challenges in bonding and moisture retention.
Innovation Solution
A flexible film package with a high-density polyethylene middle layer for moisture imperviousness and low-density polyethylene top and bottom layers for energy bonding, allowing for self-sealing and gusset-style design that maintains moisture imperviousness and enables dispensing functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a monolayer film (such as LDPE) is used to form gusset bags with tucked portions, then self-sealing capability is improved, but moisture imperviousness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by using a bi-layer film structure where the first layer (LDPE) provides self-sealing capability through energy bonding, and the second layer (HDPE) provides moisture imperviousness. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by combining materials with complementary properties, allowing the package to achieve both ease of manufacture and protection against moisture loss.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a bi-layer film (LDPE/HDPE) is used to provide moisture imperviousness, then moisture retention is improved, but self-sealing capability deteriorates because HDPE cannot be readily bonded to itself
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different functional properties to different layers of the film structure. The first layer (LDPE) is specifically designed for bonding operations at seal locations, while the second layer (HDPE) provides moisture barrier properties throughout the film. This localized functional differentiation resolves the contradiction by ensuring each layer excels at its designated function.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional refill bags are used to house large quantities of wipes, then storage capacity is improved, but dispensing functionality deteriorates due to lack of flat smooth faces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by creating a flexible film package that can be configured with flat smooth faces while maintaining flexibility. The gusseted structure with tucked portions creates rigid-looking flat surfaces that facilitate dispensing, while the overall package remains flexible for storage. This dynamic structural design resolves the contradiction between storage capacity and dispensing functionality.
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 provides a moisture-impervious, aesthetically pleasing package that functions as both a storage and dispenser for moist wipes, ensuring the wipes remain moist and easy to dispense while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
Two regions of a film made from certain common polymers, such as low-density polyethylene, can be readily bonded to each other using energy such as heat, pressure, or ultrasonic energy.
Implementation Method 2
Other polymers, such as high-density polyethylene, deliver a film that has excellent moisture imperviousness
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 1D
AI summary
A package of moist wipes includes a substantially water-vapor impervious flexible film sheet surrounding the moist wipes, and the flexible film sheet defines an inner surface and an outer surface. The package includes at least one seam in which the flexible film is bonded to itself via energy. The seam includes an inner-surface-to-inner-surface energy bonded portion and an outer-surface-to-outer-surface energy bonded portion. In particular embodiments, a top wall is tucked toward a bottom wall adjacent the two side walls to define gusset portions. The top wall can include a resealing mechanism adapted to cover a dispensing orifice.