Package Opening Device with Tethered Membrane for Correct Disposal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing package opening devices for pourable food products often lead to incorrect disposal of the covering membrane, causing inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A plastic opening device with a base frame and a rupturable covering membrane featuring a non-annular weakening line and a tethering portion that remains attached to the base frame after separation, preventing incorrect disposal by ensuring the membrane stays connected to the package.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a covering membrane is provided to seal the pour opening prior to first use, then the package can be kept sealed and protected, but the user may dispose of the covering membrane in an incorrect manner
Solution Approach 1:
The weakening line is designed as a non-annular (discontinuous) pattern rather than a complete circle, segmenting the separation path. This causes the membrane to detach in specific segments rather than completely separating, ensuring portions remain attached to the spout for proper disposal guidance
Solution Approach 2:
The non-annular weakening line acts as an intermediary element between the covering membrane and the spout. It controls the separation process by providing a designated break path that leaves tethering portions intact, mediating the transition from sealed to open state while guiding proper disposal
2Ease of operation
If the covering membrane is completely removable from the base frame, then the opening operation is simplified, but the risk of incorrect disposal increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the covering membrane have different attachment qualities. The areas adjacent to the non-annular weakening line are designed to separate easily (high opening ease), while portions connected via the tethering effect maintain attachment (disposal guidance). This local differentiation in attachment strength resolves the contradiction between easy opening and correct disposal
3Reliability
If a non-annular weakening line is used instead of an annular one, then incorrect disposal is prevented, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The weakening line geometry is changed from an annular (continuous circular) pattern to a non-annular (discontinuous) pattern. This parameter change in the line configuration achieves the disposal guidance function while remaining compatible with standard molding processes, requiring only minor adjustments to the manufacturing tooling
Data Source
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AI summary
There is described an opening device (4) for a package (1) being filled with a pourable product and having a main body (2) provided with a designated pour opening (3). The opening device (4) comprises at least a base frame (10) for coupling the opening device (4) to the main body (2) and about the designated pour opening (3) and a covering membrane (11) rupturably connected to the base frame (10) along a weakening line (12) and configured to cover the designated pour opening (3). The weakening line (12) comprises a first end (13) and a second end (14) distinct and separated from one another. The covering membrane (11) is further connected to the base frame (10) along a tethering portion (15) extending between the first end (13) and the second end (14). The weakening line (12) and the tethering portion (15) are configured such that, in use, upon exertion of an opening force on the covering membrane (11), the covering membrane (11) separates from the base frame (10) along the weakening line (12) and remains attached to the base frame along the tethering portion (15).