Resealable Laminate Cover with Barrier Layer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing resealable packaging systems face challenges in achieving high barrier properties while being simple to manufacture and use, particularly for sensitive and perishable items, as they often require complex multilayer laminates and can be difficult to open and reseal effectively, leading to potential damage and exposure to adhesives.
Innovation Solution
A resealable package assembly with a multilayer laminate cover that includes a polymeric substrate, a first sealing layer, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, a barrier layer, and a release layer, allowing for easy opening and resealing by separating along a designated interface and using a release layer to reduce the force required for initial opening, thereby preserving the sealing integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex multilayer laminate structure is used to achieve high barrier properties and resealability, then the barrier performance and resealing function are improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cover laminate is segmented into distinct functional layers: a first heat sealable layer for initial sealing, a second heat sealable layer for resealing, and a barrier layer positioned between them. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently, achieving high barrier performance and reliable resealing without requiring an overly complex integrated structure.
2Ease of operation
If pressure sensitive adhesive is positioned within the same layer as heat sealing material, then resealability is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and sealing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The laminate structure separates heat sealing materials and pressure sensitive adhesives into different layers. The first and second heat sealable layers are positioned at opposite sides of the barrier layer, while the pressure sensitive adhesive is contained within the barrier layer itself. This segmentation eliminates the need for careful application of heat to specific regions and removes the need for heat-resistant adhesives, significantly reducing sealing complexity.
3Ease of operation
If pressure sensitive adhesive is exposed for resealing, then resealability is enabled, but adhesive exposure to food contents becomes a concern
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier layer is segmented to contain the pressure sensitive adhesive within its structure, rather than exposing it on the outer surface. The adhesive is positioned between the first and second heat sealable layers, ensuring that it remains enclosed and does not come into contact with food contents while still enabling effective resealing through the heat sealable layers.
4Ease of operation
If a release layer is added to reduce opening force, then ease of opening is improved, but the number of layers and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The release layer functionality is merged with the barrier layer by incorporating a low-friction surface treatment or coating directly onto the barrier layer that faces the first heat sealable layer. This integration provides the release function needed for easy opening without adding a separate release layer, thereby reducing the total number of layers and simplifying manufacturing.
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 provides a resealable package with high barrier properties that is simpler to manufacture and use, allowing for easy opening and secure resealing, reducing the risk of tearing and adhesive exposure, and enhancing user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a layer of the cover then ruptures, thereby exposing the pressure sensitive adhesive. The lid can be resealed to the container by contacting the pressure sensitive adhesive to a corresponding face on the container.
Implementation Method 2
a heat sealable layer between the cover and base thermally bonds the components together in an initial sealing operation
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5
AI summary
A resealable and disposable package assembly is described. The assembly includes a container (100) and a multilayer cover laminate (20) that are bonded to one another to initially seal the contents of the package. The package can then be easily opened by at least partially separating the cover laminate (20) along a predesignated interface. The package can be reliably and effectively sealed by recontacting the previously separated cover portions to one another.