Rotatable Reclosable Pouring Element for Liquid Food Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing resealable pouring elements for liquid foodstuffs in cardboard/plastic composite packs are not universal enough, making it difficult to completely empty packages of all sizes, as they require a specific orientation and are not optimized for residue emptying across different pack formats.
Innovation Solution
A pouring element with a screw cap and opening element designed to rotate and reposition upon repeated use, featuring a steep external thread and cutting edge that penetrates the packaging material in a helix-like manner, allowing for efficient emptying of residues regardless of pack format, with features like reduced or interrupted threads for easy assembly and end stops to prevent the opening element from falling inside the pack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the opening element is designed with fixed openings for ventilation, then glubble-free pouring is achieved, but the package cannot be completely emptied and requires specific orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The opening element is designed to be rotatable within the base body, allowing it to change orientation from an initial position to a final position. This dynamic movement enables the element to adapt to different pouring needs and package orientations, resolving the contradiction between optimized pouring performance and complete emptying capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening element performs periodic rotation between initial and final positions. During the first opening, it assumes the initial position optimized for glubble-free pouring; during subsequent openings, it rotates to the final position that enables complete package emptying. This periodic repositioning allows the same structure to serve multiple functions.
2Productivity
If the pouring element is designed for optimal emptying in one orientation, then residues are efficiently removed, but it cannot be used effectively with packs of different sizes and formats
Solution Approach 1:
The pouring element is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as an optimal pouring device and a complete emptying device. The rotatable opening element allows the same structure to adapt to different pack formats and sizes, making it universally applicable while maintaining high emptying efficiency regardless of package dimensions.
3Reliability
If the opening element is designed with a steep external thread for strong cutting force, then reliable opening is achieved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The external thread of the opening element features local quality variation with a steep thread angle specifically in the lower region where cutting force is most needed. This localized steep threading provides strong cutting force for reliable package opening, while the upper region maintains a more gradual thread profile that facilitates easier assembly and reduces overall structural complexity.
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
Enables quick and reliable emptying of residues across various pack formats, ensuring that the pouring element can be used effectively for both small 'single-serve' and large 'multi-serve' containers without the need for specific orientation, maintaining product freshness and preventing aroma loss.
Implementation Method 1
when the pouring element is opened for the first time by means of a positive connection between the screw cap and the opening element, a helix-like movement of the opening element and thus a making of a pouring hole causes
Implementation Method 2
the opening element has an external thread and is arranged inside the base body and wherein the opening element is designed such that it cuts an opening in the packaging material located under the pouring element
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a reclosable pouring element for liquid foodstuffs contained in composite cardboard/plastic packaging, consisting of a base body (1), which has a continuous flange (4), an inner thread (5) and an outer thread (6), an opening element (2) having at least one cutting edge (10) or similar and perforations and a screw lid (3) that is configured as a threaded cap. The opening element (2) has an outer thread (8), is situated in the interior of the base body (1) and is configured in such a way that it cuts an opening in the packaging material lying below the pouring element, when the screw lid (3) is actuated for the first time. To guarantee that the packaging can be completely drained of the product for each packaging format using an identical pouring element, at least one window opening (O) is provided as a perforation and is positioned so that it faces to one side after the initial opening of the packaging and after reclosure and repeated opening faces the opposite side at 180° to its original position.