Multilayer Flexible Tube Skirt with Modulus Gradient
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible packaging tubes for liquid or viscous products face challenges in decoration costs, material limitations, and insufficient elasticity, which affect their appearance and functionality, particularly in maintaining shape after deformation.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer flexible tube skirt is developed, comprising an extruded main layer with a tensile modulus less than 1200 N/mm2 and a single-layer or multilayer film with a higher tensile modulus, allowing for improved elasticity, stress cracking resistance, and decorative capabilities without the limitations of traditional extruded or IML tubes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-layer or multilayer structure is formed by extrusion or coextrusion, then the tube exhibits resistance to stress cracking and esthetic qualities, but the elasticity of the tubular body is limited and material choice is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a thermoplastic elastomer layer with a polyethylene layer in a multilayer structure. The thermoplastic elastomer provides elasticity and flexibility, while the polyethylene layer provides stress cracking resistance. This composite approach allows the tube to simultaneously achieve both elasticity and stress cracking resistance, resolving the technical contradiction between these two properties.
2Ease of manufacture
If direct printing or film is applied to the tube, then product information is conveyed clearly and the tube is decorative, but sophisticated equipment is required and additional cost is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of the tube body by incorporating a thermoplastic elastomer layer with specific mechanical properties (elongation at break greater than 100%). This material modification allows the tube itself to provide decorative effects through its inherent elasticity and shape recovery, reducing the need for complex printing equipment and additional decorative films, thereby lowering manufacturing costs and equipment requirements.
3Area of stationary object
If a label is applied close to the transition between the body and shoulder of the tube, then complete coverage is achieved, but the label may jut out or form creased edges giving an unattractive appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible thin film structure made of thermoplastic elastomer that can be stretched and formed to closely follow the contours of the tube body, including the transition zone to the shoulder. The high elasticity and elongation properties of this flexible film allow it to extend to the very edge of the tube body without jutting out or forming creases, achieving complete coverage while maintaining smooth, attractive edges.
Data Source
AI summary
Multilayer skirt of a flexible tube, comprising an extruded main layer (9) and a mono- or multilayer film (10) at least partially surrounding the main layer. The tensile modulus of the main layer is less than 1200 N/mm2 and the tensile modulus of the film is greater than 3500 N/mm2.