Push-and-pull sealing disc for packaging containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging container lids for bulk solids face challenges in easy opening without compromising the integrity of the container, as excessive perforation weakens the material and increases the risk of leakage.

Innovation Solution

A paperboard sealing disc with partial cutting lines on both sides, where the push-tab and pull-away parts are defined by folding lines, allowing delamination and easy opening while maintaining structural integrity, reducing the risk of tearing and leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the sealing disc is highly perforated to facilitate opening, then the ease of operation is improved, but the strength and integrity of the container deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of openingVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing disc is segmented into multiple layers (first layer and second layer) with cutting lines extending partially through each layer from opposite sides. This segmentation allows the tearing open part to be delimited without completely penetrating the entire thickness, maintaining structural integrity while enabling easy opening through the multi-layer configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting lines are positioned at different distances from the outer edge (d1 at push-tab, d2 at pull-away part) and extend partially through the thickness rather than completely. This dimensional approach creates an offset configuration where the cutting lines do not meet in the interior, allowing delamination at specific locations while preserving overall strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the cutting lines extend fully through the sealing disc to enable opening, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of leakage and contamination increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveopenabilityVSAvoidcontamination risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting lines extend only partially through the thickness of the sealing disc (15-80% of thickness) rather than completely through. This partial action is sufficient to enable delamination and opening at the tear-open part while avoiding full penetration that would create direct pathways for contamination and leakage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The offset positioning of cutting lines from opposite sides creates an intermediary zone where the lines do not meet in the interior. This intermediary configuration allows the tearing mechanism to function while maintaining a continuous barrier path that prevents direct contamination and leakage through the sealing disc.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Facilitates easy opening of the packaging container while preserving the integrity of the sealing disc, reducing the risk of air and bacterial contamination, and extending the shelf life of contents.

Implementation Method 1

the paperboard will delaminate at, or around, the push-tab when exerting pressure thereto and pushing it downwards into the packaging container, and also around the tear-open part when pulling it upwards after opening the sealing disc by means of the push-tab

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDelamination:

Implementation Method 2

the push-tab being at least partly delimited with respect to the pull-away part by a folding line

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFolding: Folding

Data Source

PatentEP4190713B1Push-and-pull sealing disc for packaging container
Publication Date: 2024.05.15 GPI SYST AB
  • EP4190713B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4190713B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4190713B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a paperboard sealing disc (1) for use in a packaging container (10). The sealing disc (1) is delimited by an outer edge (2). The sealing disc (1) comprises a peripheral edge portion (3) surrounding a tear-open part (4). The sealing disc (1) comprises a first side (6) and a second side (7). The tear-open part (4) is delimited from the peripheral edge portion (3) by a first cutting line (5') in the first side (6) and by a second cutting line (5") in the second side (7). Each of said first and said second cutting lines (5',5") extending only partly through the thickness of said sealing disc (1). Said first cutting line (5') being provided at a distance d1 from said sealing disc outer edge (3), and said second cutting line (5") being provided at a distance d2 from said sealing disc outer edge (2). Said first cutting line (5') is intersecting with said second cutting line (5") at a first and a second intersection (24, 25). The tear-open part (4) furthermore comprises a push-tab (8) and a pull-away part (4'). The push-tab (8) is being at least partly delimited with respect to the pull-away part (4') by a folding line (9). At the push-tab (4) d1 >d2 and at the pull-away part (4') d2>d1. Furthermore, d1 at said push-tab (8) is substantially the same as d2 at said pull-away part (4') and d2 at said push-tab (8) is substantially the same as d1 at said pull-away part (4').