Packaging Tear Strip with Segmented Varnish Coating

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Packaging with lines of weakness, such as tear strips, often lack clear indicators of opening, making it difficult to determine if the packaging has been previously opened, and the existing solutions do not provide a distinct audible and tactile feedback when opened.

Innovation Solution

Applying a varnish or lacquer coating across the line of weakness at spaced regions along its length to create an audible and tactile signature when broken, which can be designed for specific sounds and resistances by varying the size, spacing, and shape of the coated regions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a line of weakness (tear strip) is provided in packaging to facilitate opening, then ease of operation is improved, but there is no clear indication of opening and no audible/tactile feedback

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of openingVSAvoidopening indication
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a varnish or lacquer coating to spaced regions along the line of weakness that changes state when broken, providing visual and tactile indication of opening. The coating creates an audible and tactile signature when the tear strip is broken, allowing users to confirm opening status.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Loss of information

If a varnish or lacquer coating is applied across the line of weakness at spaced regions, then audible and tactile feedback is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening indicationVSAvoidpackaging structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The varnish or lacquer coating is applied to spaced regions along the line of weakness rather than continuously, creating segmented zones that provide audible and tactile feedback when broken. This segmentation maintains simplicity while delivering the desired indication function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of information

If the varnish or lacquer coating regions are made larger or more numerous, then audible and tactile feedback is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity and material usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening indication clarityVSAvoidcoating application
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies varnish or lacquer coating to only spaced regions along the line of weakness rather than the entire line, providing sufficient audible and tactile feedback while minimizing material usage and manufacturing complexity. The spaced regions are strategically positioned to deliver clear opening indication without excessive coating.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

The varnish or lacquer coating provides a clear audible and tactile signature when the line of weakness is broken, allowing users to confirm opening and enhancing the user experience with customizable sound and resistance feedback.

Implementation Method 1

the varnish or lacquer coating is configured to produce an audible and/or tactile signature when said line of weakness is broken

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTriboluminescence: Triboluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP2814758B1packaging
Publication Date: 2015.12.30 BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LTDA
  • EP2814758B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2814758B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2814758B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Packaging including a line of weakness (10, 11) that is broken to obtain access to an article within said packaging is disclosed. A varnish or lacquer coating is applied to spaced regions (12) along the length of the line of weakness.