Packaging Container Opening Device with Segmented Fold Lines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional opening devices for high-volume, low-cost disposable packaging containers, such as Tetra Fino Aseptic, hinder production speed and increase costs due to material usage and production time, necessitating an efficient and time-saving opening mechanism.

Innovation Solution

The development of an opening device comprising elongate opening device portions with angled edges and fold lines, allowing for efficient rupture and folding of packaging material, facilitated by injection-molded or glued components with minimal material usage, and featuring tab sections for easy gripping and a pouring lip for smooth pouring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional opening devices (screw caps, pull-tabs) are used, then the opening function is reliable, but the production speed decreases and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening function reliabilityVSAvoidproduction speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The opening device is divided into multiple portions (first opening device portion, second opening device portion) that can be independently formed and folded. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for specific functions while maintaining overall reliability, and enables faster manufacturing by reducing material usage and simplifying the forming process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The opening device portions are pre-formed with specific geometries (elongate shapes with angled edges) during the packaging container manufacturing process, so that when the container is opened, the portions can be quickly folded and positioned without requiring complex assembly operations. This preliminary preparation enables high-speed production while maintaining reliable opening functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If conventional opening devices are used, then the opening mechanism is functional, but the material usage increases and production time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening mechanism functionalityVSAvoidproduction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The opening device portions are designed to perform only the essential opening function with minimal material. The elongate portions with angled edges provide sufficient structural integrity and opening capability without the excessive material required by conventional devices. This partial action approach reduces both material usage and production time while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Strength

If thicker packaging material is used, then the container strength is improved, but the opening device material usage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer strengthVSAvoidopening device material usage
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The opening device portions are designed with locally optimized geometries (elongate shapes, angled edges, specific thickness distributions) that concentrate material where needed for strength and folding functionality, while minimizing material in non-critical areas. This local quality optimization allows the opening device to provide sufficient strength and functionality with minimal material usage, even when the overall packaging material thickness is increased for container strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3157841B1Packaging container with opening device and method of manufacturing a packaging container having such opening device
Publication Date: 2020.04.08 TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE SA
  • EP3157841B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3157841B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3157841B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

The present invention relates to an opening device on a packaging container for liquid or semi-liquid food. The packaging container has a fold line and an opening line intersecting in an intersection point, thereby dividing the opening line into a first opening line portion and a second opening line portion. The opening device comprises a first opening device portion and a second opening device portion, wherein the first opening device portion has an opening edge that is at least partly aligned along the first opening line portion and arranged on a first side of the opening line. The second opening device portion has an opening edge that is at least partly aligned along the second opening line portion and arranged on a second side of the opening line. The opening device comprises a closure device. The invention also comprises a packaging container with an opening device and a method of manufacturing said packaging container.