Mirror-Finish Thermoplastic Resin Packaging for Viscous Content Slidability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional packaging materials fail to provide adequate slidability for viscous contents like cosmetics, leading to adherence and storage issues, and existing solutions either complicate the process or increase costs.

Innovation Solution

A packaging material with a thermoplastic resin contact surface having a mirror finish with a roughness of less than 100 nm and a water contact angle of at least 60°, specifically using polyolefin or polyester resins, which enhances slidability without complex processes or high costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If a rugged surface structure is used to reduce content adhesion, then content remaining is reduced, but slidability deteriorates considerably

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontent adhesionVSAvoidslidability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the surface roughness parameter from a rugged structure (Sa = 0.1 to 10 μm) to a mirror surface (Sa ≤ 100 nm). This parameter change resolves the contradiction by creating a smooth surface that prevents content adhesion through molecular-level contact reduction while maintaining excellent slidability for viscous contents.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies a specific surface treatment only to the contact surface (inner surface) of the packaging material, creating a mirror surface with Sa ≤ 100 nm. This local quality change affects only the surface properties while maintaining the bulk material characteristics, thereby improving slidability without compromising the overall package structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If a smooth coating film with Ra ≤ 0.1 μm is applied to improve slidability, then content slidability is enhanced, but the process becomes complicated and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveslidabilityVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the thermoplastic resin's own surface properties to achieve mirror surface finish (Sa ≤ 100 nm) through conventional forming processes. The resin itself serves the function of providing the required surface quality, eliminating the need for separate coating films or complex surface treatment processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the surface treatment function from a separate coating process and integrates it into the base thermoplastic resin material. By selecting resins that inherently form mirror surfaces during forming, the patent removes the need for additional coating layers and complex baking processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If a mirror surface with Sa ≤ 100 nm is created to enhance slidability, then content slidability is dramatically improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveslidabilityVSAvoidsurface roughness control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the surface roughness parameter to Sa ≤ 100 nm (mirror surface), which is achievable through conventional thermoplastic forming processes. This parameter change maintains slidability while being compatible with standard manufacturing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The thermoplastic resin material itself provides the mirror surface finish through its inherent properties during the forming process. The material self-organizes to create the required surface quality without requiring post-forming surface treatment or precision control beyond normal manufacturing variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 packaging material achieves excellent slidability for viscous contents, reducing production steps and costs, and effectively prevents content adherence, as demonstrated by the successful sliding of hair conditioners and treatments.

Implementation Method 1

it has a water contact angle of not less than 60° C. in a measurement at 20° C.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrophobicity: Hydrophobe

Data Source

PatentUS11365038B2Packaging material
Publication Date: 2022.06.21 TOYO SEIKAN GRP HLDG LTD

AI summary

A packaging material having a contact surface formed of a thermoplastic resin that is adapted for contacting a viscous content. The contact surface is a mirror surface having a roughness Sa of not more than 100 nm and a water contact angle of not less than 60° C. at 20° C.