Package Opening Device Radial Protrusion Detachment Force

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing opening devices for packages with multilayer packaging materials filled with pourable products require significant force to separate the lid from the collar for the first-time use, leading to user inconvenience and potential product splash.

Innovation Solution

The opening device features a collar with a rupturable coupling membrane and radial protrusions that reduce the detachment force, allowing for easier separation of the lid from the collar during the first-time use, and includes a tamper-evidence element for security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the lid is rupturably sealed to the collar for secure sealing, then the product security from outer environment is improved, but the force required to separate the lid from the collar increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct securityVSAvoiddetachment force
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling membrane is divided into multiple radial segments or protrusions that can break independently. This segmentation allows the sealing function to be maintained while reducing the force needed for detachment, as the membrane breaks into smaller sections rather than requiring complete simultaneous separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling membrane features localized weak points or radial protrusions at specific positions. These local modifications create predetermined break zones that concentrate the separation force, allowing the lid to detach more easily while maintaining overall sealing integrity until opening is required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the lid is tightly sealed to the collar, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but the ease of operation for first-time opening deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidease of opening
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling membrane is pre-configured with radial protrusions or weakened sections that are designed to break at specific points during opening. This preliminary structuring ensures that the membrane maintains strong sealing during storage and transport, but automatically facilitates easy separation when opening force is applied by the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If significant force is applied to separate the lid from the collar, then the rupturable seal can be broken, but product splash and user inconvenience increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening capabilityVSAvoidproduct splash
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the coupling membrane into radial protrusions that break independently, the opening process becomes more controlled and gradual. This prevents sudden, forceful detachment that would cause product splash, while still achieving complete separation of the lid from the collar.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4484318A1Opening device for a package and package having an opening device
Publication Date: 2025.01.01 TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE SA
  • EP4484318A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4484318A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4484318A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

There is described an opening device (3) for a package (1) filled with a pourable product. The opening device (3) comprises at least a collar (10) having a pouring outlet (11) and a lid (12) configured to selectively close and open the pouring outlet (11) and being controllable between at least a closed position in which the lid (12) is configured to close the pouring outlet (11) and an open position in which the lid (12) is configured to open the pouring outlet (11). The collar (10) comprises a rim (13) delimiting the pouring outlet (11). The lid (12) is rupturably fixed to the rim (13) by means of a coupling membrane and during a first-time control of the lid (12) from the closed position to the open position, the lid (12) detaches from the rim (13) and the coupling membrane is configured to be ruptured. The rim (13) comprises a first end portion (19) and a second end portion (20) opposite to the first end portion (19). The second end portion (20) comprises a radial protrusion (30).