Bag Closure Device With Notched Profiles For Powder Jam Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Packaging bags with closure devices for powdery products, such as coffee powder, often jam due to powder accumulation between the closure elements, especially when the particle size distribution prevents proper engagement and sealing.
Innovation Solution
A closure device with a first support web carrying a first closure element and a second support web carrying a second closure element, where the second profile and third profile are notched with indentations, allowing powder to flow through and preventing accumulation by offsetting sections along the axis of extension, and using a slip agent or antistatic agent to enhance dislodging and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If closure elements with complementary profiles are used to seal the bag, then sealing capability is improved, but powder accumulation between profiles causes jamming and prevents proper closure
Solution Approach 1:
The profiles are segmented into discrete sections separated by notches, transforming continuous surfaces into modular segments. This segmentation prevents powder accumulation by creating gaps between sections, allowing powder to pass through rather than accumulate, while maintaining sealing capability through the complementary engagement of segmented profiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The notched profiles create a porous-like structure with intentional gaps between sections. These gaps function similarly to porous materials by allowing powder particles to pass through the closure elements during operation, preventing blockage while maintaining the structural integrity needed for sealing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple complementary profiles are used for multi-closing functionality, then resealability is improved, but powder accumulation in rails between profiles increases, blocking closure
Solution Approach 1:
Each profile in the multi-closing system is segmented with notches, creating multiple controlled gaps. This segmentation prevents powder accumulation in the rails between profiles while maintaining the multi-closing functionality, allowing the device to be opened and resealed multiple times without jamming.
Solution Approach 2:
The notches, which create gaps in the profiles, convert the harmful effect of powder accumulation into a beneficial feature. The gaps allow powder to pass through freely during filling and operation, preventing blockage of the multi-closing mechanism while maintaining sealing capability.
3Reliability
If profile dimensions are sized to prevent powder entry, then sealing integrity is improved, but powder particles of varying sizes still enter and become trapped between profiles
Solution Approach 1:
The profile geometry is changed from continuous to segmented by introducing notches. This parameter change creates variable gap sizes between sections that can accommodate different particle sizes in the powder, allowing both fine particles and larger particles (up to 500 microns) to pass through without becoming trapped, while maintaining sealing integrity when closed.
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a closure device (5) for a bag, comprising: - a first support web (6) bearing a first profile (8), - a second support web (9) bearing a second profile (20) and a third profile (30) that match the first profile (8) and extending essentially in parallel along an axis of extent (X), the second profile (20) and the third profile (30) each having notches so as to consist of a row of successive profile sections (22, 32) separated in pairs by openings (21, 31), the sections (22, 32) of the second profile (20) being offset with respect to the sections (22, 32) of the third profile (30) along the axis of extent (X).