Re-sealable Flexible Wrapper for Block-Shaped Products
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging for block-shaped products, such as chocolate bars, is difficult to open and not re-closable, leading to issues with maintaining the freshness and security of the contents, especially for larger portioned bars that are opened and re-sealed multiple times.
Innovation Solution
A flexible wrapper with a foldable flap portion bonded using a peelable and re-sealable adhesive, allowing for easy opening and re-closure, and optionally including peelable panel portions to increase the opening depth, forming a sealed and re-closable closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tough, gas and moisture impervious material is used to form a fully sealed container, then the product protection is improved, but the ease of opening deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wrapper is segmented into different functional zones: a tough, gas and moisture impervious material forms the main body for product protection, while a separate peelable adhesive layer is applied only to specific portions (longitudinal seam and transverse end seams) to enable easy opening. This segmentation allows the package to maintain overall integrity while providing controlled opening points.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the wrapper have different properties: the main body uses tough, impervious material for protection, while specific seam areas use peelable adhesive for easy opening. The adhesive is applied locally to bonding surfaces rather than the entire wrapper, creating zones of varying functionality within a single structure.
2Reliability
If a fully sealed container is used, then the product freshness is improved, but the re-closability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wrapper is pre-configured with peelable adhesive on specific portions before sealing. This preliminary preparation allows the package to be easily opened and re-closed multiple times while maintaining freshness, as the adhesive is already in place to facilitate repeated sealing operations without compromising the sealed integrity of the main body.
Solution Approach 2:
The wrapper transitions from a static, permanently sealed structure to a dynamic, re-closable system. The peelable adhesive portions allow the package to be opened and re-closed repeatedly, adapting to consumer needs for portion control and storage, while the main sealed body maintains product freshness throughout these cycles.
3Ease of operation
If a peelable and re-sealable adhesive coating is used to form the longitudinal seam, then the ease of opening is improved, but the security of retaining contents deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is segmented into two distinct functions: peelable adhesive on the longitudinal seam for easy opening, and crimped or welded transverse end seams for secure content retention. This segmentation ensures that ease of opening does not compromise security, as each seam type performs its specialized function independently.
Solution Approach 2:
Different adhesive properties are applied to different locations: peelable adhesive is used on the longitudinal seam where easy opening is desired, while the transverse end seams use crimping or welding to provide secure retention. This localized application of different sealing methods optimizes both ease of opening and content security.
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 enables easy access to the product while maintaining the contents secure, reducing mess and extending the shelf life by allowing for controlled opening and re-sealing, even with repeated use.
Implementation Method 1
the free edges of the flap overlapping a further portion of the wrapper and being bonded thereto by means of a peelable and re-sealable adhesive
Implementation Method 2
The material is folded about the product and the longitudinal side edges are bonded together to form a longitudinal sealed seam
Implementation Method 3
by heating the material under pressure so that the opposing surfaces melt and fuse together to form a welded seam
Data Source
AI summary
Packaging for a generally block shaped product (12) is made from a wrapper (14) of flexible material encasing the product. The wrapper has a foldable flap portion (24) adjacent an end of the package. The free edges (28, 30, 32) of the flap over-lap a further portion (34) of the wrapper and are bonded by means of a peelable and re- sealable adhesive (37). The flap (24) extends fully across one face (38) of the package and at least partially down opposing sides to form a sealed and re-sealable closure for the package. The package can be formed using flow-wrap techniques and is particular suited for packaging chocolate bars and the like.