Sealed Single-Dose Package with Weakened Zone for Controlled Breakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealed single-dose break-open packages face challenges in precision and speed of incision depth variation, making them complex to produce and unsuitable for precise application of spreadable products, with the package described in WO2008038074A2 not allowing intuitive spreading of contents.
Innovation Solution
A sealed single-dose break-open package with a weakened zone comprising non-through inner and outer incisions in a laminate structure of semi-rigid plastic, allowing controlled breakage and enabling smooth product flow while maintaining package integrity, and featuring a design that allows the broken area to function as a spatula for spreading products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If incisions vary in depth to enable progressive breakage during V-bending, then controlled breakage is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase and operating speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of incision depth from variable to constant. Both the first and second incisions have the same depth, extending from the outer surface to a predetermined depth that does not penetrate the semi-rigid plastic material. This eliminates the need for high-precision variable depth control while maintaining controlled breakage functionality through the pre-formed hinge zone.
2Manufacturing precision
If incisions vary in depth for controlled breakage, then breakage control is improved, but device complexity increases due to high precision blade movement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the device by eliminating variable depth control mechanisms. Both incisions are formed at constant depth using simple blade structures, removing the need for complex precision movement mechanisms while achieving the same controlled breakage effect through the hinge zone design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the breakage function into two parts: the incisions provide stress concentration points, and the hinge zone provides the controlled breakage path. This segmentation allows simple constant-depth incisions to work together with the hinge zone structure to achieve progressive breakage without complex blade mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If the package design does not include a spatula function, then manufacturing is simpler, but product application precision and intuitiveness decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The package design integrates multiple functions into a single structure. The central portion of the semi-rigid plastic material serves both as the hinge zone for controlled breakage and as a spatula for product application. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate spreading tools while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The package structure provides its own spreading function through the central portion that remains attached after breakage. This self-service feature allows the package to perform both opening and product application functions without requiring additional external tools or mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
A sealed single-dose break-open package (1) having: a first sheet (2) of semi-rigid plastic material; a second sheet (3) of flexible plastic material superposed on and sealed to the first sheet (2) to define a sealed pocket (4) that contains a dose of a product (5); and a weakened zone (6) that is made in a central zone of the first sheet (2) for guiding, after bending of the sealed package (1), controlled breaking of the first sheet (2) at the weakened zone (6) in such a way as to cause the formation of an outlet opening for the product (5) through the first sheet (2). The weakened zone (6) comprises at least one incision (7, 9) that is made in a surface (8, 10) of the first sheet (2) and extends along a single line that is open and does not cross itself. The incision (7, 9) comprises a "U"-shaped central part (15) and two lateral parts (16) that are positioned on opposite sides of the central part (15) and connect to the central part (15).