Overpouch with Transparent Foil for Label Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current container closure systems for oxygen-sensitive pharmaceutical solutions, which use an aluminum overpouch for protection, prevent visual inspection of the primary bag contents and require reprinting of labels on the overpouch, making essential product information inaccessible without opening the overpouch.
Innovation Solution
A container closure system featuring an overpouch with an intransparent first foil and a transparent second foil, where the label on the primary container is designed to be readable through the overpouch, utilizing specific reflection properties to maintain visibility and readability of labels and contents, even when the primary container is sealed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an aluminum overpouch is used to provide oxygen and water vapor barrier, then protection against oxygen and water vapor transmission is improved, but visual inspection of the primary bag content and label readability are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The overpouch is divided into two distinct foil layers: an intransparent first foil for barrier protection and a transparent second foil for visual inspection and label readability. This segmentation allows each layer to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The overpouch uses a composite structure combining intransparent and transparent foil materials. This composite design integrates the oxygen and water vapor barrier properties of the intransparent layer with the optical transparency of the second layer, resolving the contradiction between protection and visibility.
2Loss of information
If the primary bag is made transparent for visual inspection, then visual inspection capability is improved, but protection against oxygen and water vapor transmission deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protective overpouch is segmented into functional layers, with the transparent second foil providing visual inspection capability while the intransparent first foil provides the oxygen and water vapor barrier, eliminating the need to compromise the primary bag's transparency.
Solution Approach 2:
The overpouch acts as an intermediary protective layer between the external environment and the transparent primary bag. It provides the barrier function that the primary bag cannot provide while preserving the bag's transparency for visual inspection.
3Reliability
If a secondary bag is used as overpouch to prevent gas permeation, then protection against environmental influences is improved, but label reprinting is required as the label on the primary bag is covered
Solution Approach 1:
The overpouch is segmented with a transparent second foil that allows the original label on the primary bag to remain visible, eliminating the need for label reprinting while still providing the necessary protective barrier through the intransparent first foil layer.
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
This design allows for the overwrapping of primary containers without covering labels, enabling visual inspection and maintaining the readability of labels and contents, ensuring that product information is accessible without opening the overpouch, while maintaining the impermeability to oxygen and water vapor.
Implementation Method 1
a transparent second foil... it is achieved that the at least one label on the primary container is still visible and readable. Additionally, visual inspection of the content of the transparent primary container is possible
Implementation Method 2
an inner surface of the intransparent first foil of the overpouch has a reflection for light (RF) in the direction of the primary container... an enhanced contrast is achieved to enhance machine and human readability of the label
Implementation Method 3
the at least one label acts as a light absorbing segment having a reflection RL for light in the range of about 350 nm to about 800 nm... with RF>RL
Implementation Method 4
This outer secondary bag prevents largely gas permeation into the primary bag and serves therefore as a protection of the content of the primary bag against oxygen and water vapor transmission
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a pharmaceutical product or container closure system containing an overpouch with an intransparent first foil and a transparent second foil, a transparent primary container for holding a transparent liquid, e.g., a pharmaceutical formulation, wherein the transparent primary container is packed within the overpouch and labeled with at least one label and wherein the at least one label acts as a light absorbing segment having a reflection RL for light in the range of about 350 nm to about 800 nm and an inner surface of the intransparent first foil of the overpouch acts as a light reflecting background having a reflection RF for light in the direction of the primary container in the range of about 350 nm to about 800 nm with RF≠RL. By the transparent second foil and the inventive reflection properties it is achieved that the at least one label on the primary container is visible and readable. Additionally, visual inspection of the content of the transparent primary container is possible. A good contrast is achieved to enhance machine and human readability.