Paper Single-Dose Package Opening via Micro-Hole Barrier Trigger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-dose packages made from plastics material pose significant environmental disposal challenges and lack recyclability, while also requiring effective gas and vapor barriers for product preservation.
Innovation Solution
A sealed single-dose package composed of a semi-rigid sheet with a multi-layer laminate structure, primarily based on paper or cellulose, incorporating a barrier layer for gas and vapor protection, and a weakened portion for controlled opening, utilizing a micro-hole to facilitate easy and recyclable disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the package uses a sealed construction with heat-sealable outer layers, then the reliability of maintaining sterile conditions is improved, but the ease of operation for breaking open the package deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The package is divided into multiple layers with distinct functions: outer seal layer, inner seal layer, and intermediate layer. The break opening feature is created as a separate segmented component within the intermediate layer, allowing the sealing function and opening function to be independently optimized without compromising either reliability or ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The break opening feature is pre-formed during manufacturing as an inherent part of the package structure. This preliminary action creates a predetermined failure point that requires minimal force to activate during use, eliminating the need for complex opening mechanisms while maintaining sealed integrity until activation.
2Manufacturing precision
If the package uses conventional sealed construction, then the manufacturing precision is adequate, but the reliability of maintaining sterile conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different layers of the package are constructed with different material properties and sealing characteristics. The outer and inner seal layers provide robust sealing, while the intermediate layer incorporates the break opening feature with localized quality variations that enable both manufacturability and sterile integrity. This local differentiation allows each layer to optimize for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The package employs a composite multi-layer construction combining materials with different properties: heat-sealable outer layers for reliable sealing, and an intermediate layer with controlled structural characteristics for break opening functionality. This composite structure integrates both manufacturing precision and sterile reliability requirements into a single unified package design.
3Reliability
If the package uses a multi-layer sealed construction, then the reliability of maintaining sterile conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into a single integrated package structure: sealing, sterile maintenance, and break opening functionality are combined in one multi-layer construction rather than requiring separate components. The break opening feature is merged directly into the intermediate layer, eliminating the need for additional opening mechanisms or separate sealing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, enables the break opening feature, and maintains the sealed environment. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate components for each function, while the outer and inner seal layers provide universal sealing protection.
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 package provides an effective barrier against gases and vapors while ensuring easy recyclability and reliable opening, addressing environmental concerns and consumer disposal needs.
Implementation Method 1
outer layer (110) and an inner layer (120) which are heat-sealed
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~5b
AI summary
The sealed single-dose package (1) according to the present invention comprises : a multilayer semi-rigid sheet (2), having a carrier layer (10) made of paper, cardboard or other cellulose-based material and a gas and vapor barrier layer (12); a flexible sheet (4), superimposed and welded to the semi-rigid sheet (2) in order to form an inner pocket (6) for containing one dose of a product; an outer incision (8) in the semi-rigid sheet (2), suitable for guiding, upon a bending of the package (1), a breakage of the first sheet (2) to form an opening for the product contained in the pocket to escape ( 6 ). The package is characterized in that the barrier layer (12) has a micro-hole (201) aligned with said outer incision (8). Advantageously, the package always opens correctly on account of the micro-hole, which represents the trigger point for the breakage of the semi-rigid sheet, whilst ensuring an adequate barrier against the passage of gas and vapor.