Reusable Package Opening Device for Lower Polymer Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packages with fixed opening devices contribute to polymer waste, and there is a desire to reduce polymer use while maintaining effective and efficient product dispensing.
Innovation Solution
A reusable opening device that is removably attached to the package, featuring a piercing body to cut through a separation membrane and a flow channel for smooth product discharge, with auxiliary channels for air flow to enhance product flow and minimize residual product.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed opening device is integrated into each package, then reliable product dispensing is achieved, but polymer consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The opening device is designed as a universal component that can be reused across multiple packages. The device includes a piercing body with a cutting surface configured to pierce and cut separation membranes on different packages, and a flow channel that maintains consistent product dispensing functionality across multiple uses. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for integrated opening devices in each package while maintaining reliable dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention separates the opening device from the package structure, allowing the opening device to be recovered and reused while the package is discarded. The reusable opening device can be detached from one package and attached to another, enabling multiple packages to share a single opening device. This recovers the polymer-containing opening device component for repeated use rather than disposing of it with each package.
2Loss of substance
If a reusable opening device is used across multiple packages, then polymer consumption is reduced, but attachment security must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The opening device is segmented into distinct functional components: an outer body, a piercing body with cutting surface, and a flow channel. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall attachment security. The piercing body can be selectively engaged with the package structure to provide secure attachment without requiring the entire opening device to be integrated into the package.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary connection mechanism between the opening device and the package. The piercing body acts as an intermediary element that pierces the package structure to create a secure mechanical connection. This intermediary approach allows the opening device to be firmly attached during use while remaining removable for reuse on other packages, balancing attachment security with reusability.
3Manufacturing precision
If a piercing body with cutting surface is used to pierce separation membrane, then clean opening is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions into a single integrated piercing body: the cutting surface for piercing the separation membrane, the flow channel for product dispensing, and the structural connection to the outer body. By combining these functions into one component rather than using separate elements, the design achieves precise membrane piercing and clean opening while minimizing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The piercing body utilizes the properties of thin film materials for the cutting surface, which can be configured to cleanly pierce and cut the separation membrane. The cutting surface may incorporate flexible or thin film characteristics that allow precise control of the piercing action, achieving clean openings without requiring complex mechanical cutting mechanisms.
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
Reduces polymer consumption by allowing the opening device to be reused across multiple packages, improves product flow efficiency, and minimizes residual product, while ensuring secure attachment and sealing.
Implementation Method 1
a piercing body (17) configured to pierce a separation membrane (8) and to be placed inside main body (2)
Implementation Method 2
a flow channel (21) configured to allow smooth discharge of the pourable product from main body (2)
Implementation Method 3
auxiliary channels (22) configured to allow air flow between an outer space and an inner space of main body (2)
Data Source
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AI summary
There is described a reusable opening device (3) for a package (1) filled with a pourable product and having a designated pour opening area (7). The opening device (3) being configured to be removably connected to a main body (2) of the package (1) and comprising an outer body (16) configured to be placed outside of the main body (2) and having an outlet opening (18) configured to allow for an outpouring of the pourable product and a piercing body (17) configured to pierce the designated pour opening area (7) and to be placed within the package (2). The opening device (3) comprises a flow channel (21) extending along a central axis (B) of opening device (3) and between at least one main inlet opening (19) of the piercing body (17) and the outlet opening (18). The inlet opening (19) is configured allowing the inlet of the pourable product into the flow channel (21). The piercing body (17) comprises a cutting surface (30) configured to cut at least a portion of the designated pour opening area (7) during an insertion of the opening device (3) into the package (1). The cutting surface (30) extends along a first axis (E). The first axis (E) is laterally displaced along a second axis (F) perpendicular to the first axis (E) from the central axis (B) and the main inlet opening (19).