Package Separator Sled for Clean Perforation Tensile Separation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing package separation methods often result in tearing or shearing of non-rigid material along perforations, compromising packaging integrity and sterility, and manufacturing lines are inflexible in producing arrays of varying sizes.

Innovation Solution

A package separator comprising a chassis and a sled with package seats that slides into the chassis, allowing for controlled separation of packages by applying tensile force perpendicular to perforation lines, utilizing a sled mechanism to pivot arms and separate packages without tearing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If perforations are applied to separate packages, then package separation is enabled, but tearing or shearing of non-rigid material occurs compromising packaging integrity and sterility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackage separationVSAvoidpackaging integrity and sterility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The package separator device divides the separation process into distinct stages: positioning packages in seats, applying controlled tensile force perpendicular to perforation lines, and separating packages one at a time. This segmentation prevents tearing by avoiding lateral shearing forces that would compromise sterility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Packages are pre-positioned in dedicated seats within the separator device before separation occurs. This preliminary positioning ensures that when tensile force is applied perpendicular to the perforation lines, the force is distributed evenly and controlled, preventing tearing while enabling clean separation along the perforation paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If a single manufacturing line produces fixed array sizes, then manufacturing efficiency is maintained, but adaptability to different array sizes (2, 3, 5, 6, or single packages) is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidarray size flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The separator device features movable components including a sled that can be positioned at different locations along the chassis, and arms that can be adjusted to accommodate varying numbers of packages. This dynamic positioning allows the same device to efficiently separate different array sizes (2, 3, 5, 6, or single packages) without compromising manufacturing productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Ensures clean separation of packages without compromising sterility and allows for flexible array sizes by effectively breaking perforation lines without tearing, maintaining packaging integrity.

Implementation Method 1

A package separator is disclosed that allows for controlled separation of packages by applying tensile force perpendicular to perforation lines

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTensile force: Tension

Data Source

PatentUS20260070723A1Perforation Tensile Separation of Packages

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 JOHNSON & JOHNSON VISION CARE INC

AI summary

Disclosed herein are package separators and methods for using package separators to separate package strips or arrays. An example package separator includes a chassis and a sled that includes a plurality of package seats, where the plurality of package seats is configured to accept a package strip, and where the sled is configured to slide into the chassis.