Reclosable package and a method of making the same
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible packages for absorbent articles often lack effective reclosable features, leading to potential tampering or contamination before use, and existing solutions add cost and complexity to manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A flexible reclosable package design with a hidden line of weakness that allows conversion from closed to open configuration, maintaining a sealed state until needed, using a pleated portion and hooded structure for easy access and re-closure, while maintaining an aesthetic appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a hood is used as the only access to the package, then the package structure is simplified, but the package cannot be sealed and is vulnerable to tampering or contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The package opening mechanism is segmented into two distinct lines of weakness: a first line of weakness in the hood portion for initial access, and a second line of weakness in the panel for sealed closure. This segmentation allows the package to maintain sealing integrity while providing controlled access points.
Solution Approach 2:
The package is pre-configured with two lines of weakness during manufacturing, with the first line positioned in the hood and the second line in the panel. This preliminary arrangement enables the package to be sealed upon purchase while allowing easy opening by the consumer without requiring additional fastening features.
2Reliability
If additional reclosable features are added to the package, then the package can be sealed and protected from tampering, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The package structure itself provides the reclosable function through its dual line of weakness design. The hood and panel configuration with integrated lines of weakness eliminates the need for separate reclosable features like tapes, snaps, or zippers, allowing the package to seal and protect contents using its own structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hood and panel structure serves multiple functions: it provides package closure, creates a sealed environment to prevent tampering, and enables easy opening and reclosing by the consumer. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated reclosable components.
3Ease of operation
If a visible line of weakness is provided on the package exterior, then the package can be easily opened, but the aesthetic appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The line of weakness is positioned locally within the hood portion, which is functional and less visually prominent. This localized placement allows the opening mechanism to be accessible and functional while maintaining the overall aesthetic appearance of the package exterior.
Solution Approach 2:
The hood acts as an intermediary element that houses the first line of weakness. This intermediary structure provides a functional opening mechanism while shielding the line of weakness from full exterior visibility, thus preserving aesthetic appearance while enabling easy opening.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3
AI summary
A flexible reclosable package contains disposable and compressed consumer products. The package has a hexahedral shape with a top panel, a bottom panel, a front panel, a back panel, a left side panel and a right side panel. A hooded portion defines the top panel, a portion of the front panel, a portion of the first right side panel portion and a portion of the first left side panel portion. A pleated portion is provided adjacent to the hooded portion and extends from a first side panel seam to a second side panel seam. A first line of weakness, which is not visible from the exterior of the package when the package closed, is provided in the pleated portion. The flexible reclosable package can be converted from a closed configuration to an open configuration upon opening the package along the line of weakness.