Resealable Pouch Closure Mechanism for Vacuum Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing resealable pouch designs fail to maintain a vacuum effectively due to liquid being pulled into the heat sealing area during air removal, compromising the seal and preventing complete melting of the pouch sidewalls.
Innovation Solution
A resealable pouch with elongate closure profiles and a resilient profile that includes notches or openings to allow air evacuation, which acts as a valve to facilitate air removal without liquid ingress, eliminating the need for thermal sealing apparatuses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal sealing apparatus is used to melt sidewalls together for sealing, then the pouch can be sealed, but liquid from the interior is pulled into the heat sealing area by air flow during vacuum drawing, preventing complete melting and compromising the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful liquid from the sealing process by introducing a wick material that absorbs and removes liquid from the heat sealing area during vacuum drawing, preventing liquid from interfering with the melting and bonding of sidewalls
Solution Approach 2:
The wick material acts as an intermediary between the liquid and the heat sealing area, absorbing the liquid and preventing it from being pulled into the sealing zone by air flow, thereby protecting the seal integrity without interfering with the thermal sealing process
2Reliability
If complex closure profiles with manual pumps are used for air removal, then vacuum can be achieved, but the closure profiles become complex and require careful design
Solution Approach 1:
The pouch design enables self-service vacuum achievement by incorporating a one-way valve that allows air to be removed through the closure profile itself without requiring external manual pumps or complex sealing mechanisms, simplifying the overall system while maintaining vacuum capability
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 solution ensures airtight sealing and effective vacuum maintenance by allowing air to escape while preventing liquid from entering the sealing area, thus enhancing the sealing process and maintaining the integrity of the pouch.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient profile extending from one of the first or second closure profiles and having at least one notch or opening extending therethrough to allow the evacuation of air from the interior space
Implementation Method 2
the resilient profile deflects into the second position to create a substantially airtight seal in the sealable interior
Data Source
AI summary
A pouch comprises a first sidewall and a second sidewall forming an interior space therebetween, a resealable closure mechanism including a first and a second elongate closure profile, and a resilient profile extending from one of the first or second closure profiles and having at least one notch extending therethrough to allow the evacuation of air from the interior space.