Plastic Opening Device for Multilayer Package Material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing package containers with complex opening mechanisms hinder production speed and increase costs, while consumers demand easy and appealing opening with good pourability, especially for high-volume, low-cost packaging materials.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer package material structure with a dedicated penetration area and weakening lines, featuring a plastic opening device with a guiding portion that facilitates rupture along the weakening lines, reducing material usage and improving opening efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If complex opening mechanisms are used, then consumer opening ease and appeal are improved, but production speed decreases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The opening device is segmented into distinct functional portions: a first portion for consumer engagement, a material bridge penetrating the package material, and a second portion with a guiding portion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, enabling easy opening without complex mechanisms that would slow production.
Solution Approach 2:
The weakening lines are pre-formed in the package material before the opening device is attached. These pre-formed weaknesses guide the rupture path during opening, eliminating the need for complex real-time mechanisms. The guiding portion of the second portion further reinforces this preliminary action by structurally directing the opening path.
2Ease of operation
If complex opening mechanisms are used, then consumer opening ease and appeal are improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The opening device utilizes parameter changes in the package material, specifically creating localized weaknesses through the material bridge and guiding lines. This approach transforms the material properties locally to enable easy opening without requiring expensive complex mechanisms, maintaining cost-effectiveness for high-volume packaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The material bridge acts as an intermediary element connecting the first and second portions of the opening device through the package material. This simple intermediary structure enables the opening function without requiring complex mechanical systems, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining consumer appeal.
3Productivity
If simple opening mechanisms are used, then production speed and cost are improved, but opening precision and pourability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The weakening lines are pre-formed in the package material to define the exact rupture path. This preliminary action ensures precise opening without requiring complex real-time control mechanisms, maintaining both production efficiency and opening precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening device extends beyond the minimum necessary structure by including a guiding portion that protrudes from the package material surface. This partial extension provides enhanced guidance for precise opening while adding minimal complexity to the manufacturing process.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6A~7B
AI summary
Package material comprises one or more layers of plastic laminate, a first side, a second side and a penetration area (40). A weakening line (30) extends from the penetration area (40) and provides an opening area (12) in the package material. The package material comprises a plastic opening device (2), with a first and second portion (4) attached to the first and second side, respectively and a material bridge (45) penetrating through the penetration area (40). The second portion covers at least partly the penetration area and comprises a guiding portion (35, 36) extending from the penetration area (40) adjacent to the at least one weakening line (30) as to facilitate rupturing substantially along the at least one weakening line.