Powder-Resistant Zipper Profiles with Apertures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powder-resistant reclosures for reclosable packages face challenges in preventing powder from entering or re-entering the package through apertures, particularly when multiple alignment capabilities and self-mating features are involved, and there is a need for improved designs that manage powder flow effectively.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates intermittent cut-outs and cavities in the reclosure profiles, with selectively sealed flanges to control powder flow, allowing for apertures that prevent powder re-entry in some configurations while enabling powder return in others, using polymeric materials and self-mating arrowhead elements with detent mechanisms for multiple alignment capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If apertures are provided in the reclosure profile to allow powder to pass through, then powder can return to the product volume, but powder may enter the apertures and become trapped, creating a harmful effect
Solution Approach 1:
The reclosure profile is segmented into multiple functional zones: sealed flanges that prevent powder escape, unsealed flanges that allow powder return, and intermittent apertures that control powder flow. This segmentation allows different portions of the reclosure to perform different functions regarding powder management.
Solution Approach 2:
Different flanges have different sealing properties - top flanges are sealed to prevent powder escape, while bottom flanges are unsealed to allow powder return. The apertures are intermittently distributed rather than continuous, creating localized pathways for powder flow while maintaining overall containment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple alignment capabilities are provided with self-mating features, then the reclosure can mate in various alignments and fold back on itself, but the complexity of the reclosure structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reclosure elements are designed with universal mating capabilities where the same profile structure can mate in multiple alignments (0°, 60°, 120° positions) and can even self-mate when folded back. This multi-functionality is achieved through the specific geometric configuration of the profile cross-section and detent mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The profile cross-section employs asymmetric geometry with specific detent elements and engagement features that allow selective mating at discrete angular positions. The asymmetric design enables the reclosure to distinguish between valid mating orientations while preventing invalid alignments, achieving multiple alignment capability without requiring complex control mechanisms.
3Reliability
If all four flanges are sealed to prevent powder escape, then powder containment is improved, but powder cannot return to the product volume when it enters the apertures
Solution Approach 1:
Different flanges have different sealing properties - top flanges are sealed to prevent powder escape, while bottom flanges are unsealed to allow powder return. This localized differentiation of sealing quality allows the reclosure to simultaneously maintain containment reliability and provide powder return capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The reclosure is segmented into sealed and unsealed portions, creating distinct functional zones for powder containment and powder return, respectively.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~4
AI summary
The disclosure pertains to powder-resistant profiles for zippers or reclosures, such as may be used for reclosable packages, A first profile includes a first upper interlocking profile and a first lower interlocking profile, The second profile includes a second upper interlocking profile and a second lower interlocking profile. The first upper and lower interlocking profiles may include male elements while the second upper and lower interlocking profiles may include complementary female elements. A first central area is termed between the first upper and lower interlocking profiles and a second central area is formed between the second upper and lower interlocking profiles. The first and second central areas include respective first and second series of apertures through the male elements to allow powder otherwise trapped between the first and second profiles to escape or exit therethrough.