Multilayer Packaging Sheet Pre-Laminated Opening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current packaging for pourable food products lacks a reusable opening device that prevents liquid from dripping and ensures clean, fraying-free, and secure pouring, while also being durable during storage and transportation.

Innovation Solution

A multilayer sheet packaging material with a pre-laminated opening and a line of weakness, designed to receive and securely fit a reusable opening device, which includes a cutter to create a controlled pouring hole without fraying and is resistant to accidental rupture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a pre-laminated opening is provided in the packaging material to receive a reusable opening device, then the package can be opened cleanly without fraying and liquid can be poured out without dripping, but the packaging material becomes more complex in structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleak-proof pouringVSAvoidpackaging material structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging material is divided into distinct functional layers: a base layer providing structural support, a barrier layer preventing liquid penetration, and a heat-seal layer enabling secure attachment of the opening device. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally, achieving leak-proof pouring while maintaining reasonable structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging material uses composite structure with multiple material layers (paperboard base layer, plastic barrier layer, heat-seal plastic layer) bonded together. This composite approach provides both the structural integrity needed for durability and the functional properties for clean pouring, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If the pre-laminated opening is designed to tightly receive a reusable opening device, then liquid product does not drip along the package during outpour, but the opening device cannot be easily applied or removed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrip-free pouringVSAvoidopening device application
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging material is pre-formed with a laminated opening structure that includes a receptacle sized to receive the opening device. This preliminary preparation allows the opening device to be easily applied by the consumer without complex assembly steps, while still achieving a tight fit that prevents dripping during pouring

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The opening device receptacle is designed with specific dimensional parameters and geometric features that create a friction-fit connection. This allows the device to be easily inserted and removed by consumers while maintaining a secure, drip-free connection during use, balancing ease of operation with pouring reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If the packaging material is made durable to resist accidental rupture during storage and transportation, then the package maintains integrity, but the pre-laminated opening becomes more prone to inadvertent rupture

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to ruptureVSAvoidopening stability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging material has different properties in different regions: the main body uses thick, strong material for durability during storage and transport, while the pre-laminated opening area uses a carefully engineered multi-layer composite with controlled thickness and bonding strength. This local differentiation allows the opening to remain stable and resistant to inadvertent rupture while maintaining overall package strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-layer laminated structure at the opening provides built-in reinforcement and stress distribution. The barrier layer and heat-seal layer act as cushioning elements that prevent stress concentration and inadvertent rupture, allowing the opening to remain reliable while the overall package maintains high strength for durable storage and transportation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 secure, leak-proof, and clean pouring mechanism for pourable food products, allowing for multiple uses of the opening device and ensuring the packaging remains intact during handling and storage.

Implementation Method 1

a pre-laminated opening (12) which is formed by a through slot provided in said base layer (10) and covered by one or more of said lamination layers (11)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLamination: Lamination

Data Source

PatentEP4420872A1A multilayer sheet of packaging material for producing a sealed a package
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE SA
  • EP4420872A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4420872A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4420872A1 patent drawingFigure 2C~3C

AI summary

A multilayer sheet of packaging material (M) for producing a sealed package (1) of a pourable food product comprises: at least one base layer (10) for imparting stiffness; a plurality of lamination layers (11) applied to and covering both sides of said base layer (10); a pre-laminated opening (12) configured to receive an opening device for outpouring the pourable food product; a line of weakness (13) in said base layer (10).