Laser-Scored Wet Wipes Package for Moisture-Retaining Easy Opening
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wet wipes packaging methods, such as using adhesive-backed stickers or perforated films, are costly and inefficient in retaining moisture, as they allow moisture loss between manufacturing and consumer use, and lack a convenient and effective recloseable mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer polymer film package with a laser-scored opening is used, where the outer layer is scored to create a tearable access hole without penetrating the inner moisture-retaining layer, reducing costs and maintaining package integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive-backed stickers are used to cover perforations in the package film, then moisture retention is improved, but manufacturing cost and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the adhesive sticker component entirely from the packaging system. Instead of using a sticker to seal the perforations, the package relies on the recloseable fitment lid and ring structure to provide moisture retention, eliminating the need for adhesive applications and sticker materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the reusable adhesive sticker with a disposable tear-away portion that is easily removed by the consumer. The tear-away portion is a simple perforated section of the package film that tears cleanly without requiring adhesives, labels, or complex sealing mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If rigid plastic recloseable fitments are used, then recloseability is improved, but moisture transmission through contact edges increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces rigid plastic fitments with a flexible film construction. The package film itself forms the recloseable structure with a recloseable opening that can be opened and closed multiple times. The flexible film maintains moisture barrier properties while providing the necessary recloseability through its inherent flexibility and sealing capability.
3Ease of operation
If perforated film is used to create access opening, then ease of opening is improved, but moisture loss through perforations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention pre-configures the package film with a perforated outline that defines the access opening location, but the actual opening is created only when the consumer removes the tear-away portion. The recloseable opening is preliminarily sealed by the package structure itself, and only becomes open when intentionally activated by the user, maintaining moisture retention until opening is required.
4Reliability
If adhesive sticker is applied over perforations, then moisture barrier is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the adhesive sticker component from the manufacturing process. The moisture barrier function is achieved through the recloseable fitment structure and the intact package film, removing the need for adhesive materials, sticker substrates, and application equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive adhesive stickers with a simple, low-cost tear-away portion made from the same package film material. This disposable element costs virtually nothing additional to manufacture but provides the necessary opening function without requiring adhesives or complex assembly.
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 solution effectively retains moisture within the package by preventing unnecessary moisture loss and providing a convenient, easy-to-open and recloseable design, reducing processing steps and costs.
Implementation Method 1
A multi-layer polymer film package with a laser-scored opening is used, where the outer layer is scored to create a tearable access hole without penetrating the inner moisture-retaining layer
Implementation Method 2
the inner moisture-retaining layer, reducing costs and maintaining package integrity
Data Source
AI summary
A package containing a stack of wet wipes moistened with aqueous lotion is disclosed. The package comprises a polymeric film wrap, the film wrap comprising a laminate with an inner layer of a first polymer and an outer layer of a second polymer, and a surface bearing scoring along a path defining a substantially closed shape, the scoring at least partially penetrating the outer layer and not entirely penetrating the inner layer.