Resealable Opening Device for Flexible Packages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing resealable opening devices for flexible packages are not cost-effective, user-friendly, or easily applicable during filling, and often fail to provide reliable resealing, especially for liquid contents.
Innovation Solution
A resealable opening device comprising a thin-walled, foldable body with a locking member that can be maneuvered between a basic and sealing position, allowing for reliable resealing by folding an end section over the opening axis, and optionally featuring a second body for facilitating the opening position to prevent product residue retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a thin-walled foldable body with locking member is used, then reliability of resealing is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is integrated directly into the thin-walled body structure, combining the sealing function and locking function into a single unified component. This reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining reliable resealing through the coordinated action of the foldable body and integrated locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The foldable body with locking member is designed to be self-applying and self-locking. When the package is folded during filling, the opening device automatically positions itself and the locking member engages to secure the seal, eliminating the need for separate application tools or complex assembly steps.
2Ease of manufacture
If the opening device is made simple and cheap, then ease of manufacture is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The opening device utilizes a thin-walled foldable body that is simple to manufacture from sheet material. The flexibility of the thin-walled structure allows it to be easily folded and manipulated by users during operation, while the thin-walled construction keeps manufacturing costs low and production simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening device incorporates a foldable body that transitions between different configurations during use. This dynamic structure allows the simple device to adapt to user actions, providing ease of operation through natural folding movements while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
3Productivity
If the opening device is applied during filling, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The opening device is pre-positioned and integrated into the package structure before filling begins. This preliminary placement allows the device to be ready for immediate use during filling operations, improving productivity by eliminating post-filling application steps while the integrated design keeps complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening device is designed to apply and lock itself automatically during the filling process without requiring separate complex application mechanisms. This self-service capability enables integration during filling to improve productivity while avoiding the need for additional complex application equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
An opening device for a flexible package having an opening portion defined by two side walls and a width, the opening device intended to be disposed in the opening portion of the package adjacent to an opening, formed upon initial opening of the package, for opening and closing thereof. The opening device comprises a thin-walled first body with a contact surface and a first application surface opposite thereto for allowing application of the first body in the opening portion to a first of the two side walls. The first body is maneuverable, by folding about a first folding axis, between a basic position and a sealing position. In the sealing position, the contact surface has sub portions directly facing each other. A locking member is designed for releasable locking of the body in the sealing position.