Sealed Squeeze Package With Controlled Peel Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging solutions for fresh fruits used for juice extraction are inefficient, leading to wastage, messiness, and unpredictability in juice dispensing, and are vulnerable to seasonal fluctuations in supply, resulting in inconsistent availability and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A sealed package with a flexible, fluid-tight design featuring grippable tabs for easy peeling and a weak seal at the openable portion to facilitate controlled juice extraction, incorporating a rigid insert plate and preformed fold lines to enhance juice extraction and directionality, while preventing separation beyond a predetermined amount to maintain product integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the package uses a strong seal to maintain product integrity and prevent leakage, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because the seal cannot be easily opened for dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The seal strength is made non-uniform along the periphery of the package. The connection between films is weaker in the region of the first openable portion compared to other regions, allowing easy opening at the tab while maintaining strong sealing elsewhere to prevent leakage and maintain product integrity.
2Productivity
If the package is made fully flexible to enable squeezing for juice extraction, then productivity is improved, but structural integrity deteriorates causing uncontrolled opening and mess
Solution Approach 1:
The package exhibits different flexibility characteristics at different locations. The first film is flexible to enable squeezing and juice extraction, while the second film is less flexible and provides structural support. The rigid insert plate further reinforces specific regions to maintain shape and prevent uncontrolled opening during squeezing.
Solution Approach 2:
The package combines two films with different flexibility properties - a flexible first film for squeezing and a less flexible second film for structural integrity. This composite structure allows the package to be squeezed effectively while maintaining control over the opening behavior.
3Reliability
If the seal connection is strong throughout the periphery to prevent product removal, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation worsens because the openable portion cannot be separated cleanly
Solution Approach 1:
The seal connection between films is made weaker specifically in the region of the first openable portion, allowing clean separation and opening when the tab is pulled. The connection remains strong in other regions to prevent product removal and maintain containment, resolving the contradiction between clean opening and product security.
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 clean, controlled, and efficient method for juice extraction, reducing wastage and mess, while ensuring a consistent supply by allowing for resealing and reuse, thus addressing the issues of seasonal fluctuations and supply chain inconsistencies.
Implementation Method 1
the package comprises one or more films which are fluid-tight and which fully enclose a volume in which the product is sealingly retained
Implementation Method 2
the first openable portion comprises at least one of the films having a grippable tab which can be manipulated to peel apart the joint between the films
Implementation Method 3
the package being at least partially flexible to enable squeezing of the product to facilitate dispensing of a liquid or particulate material emanating from the product
Data Source
Figure 1~3b
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~10
AI summary
There is provided a pack for a product (12) to facilitate the dispensing of a liquid or particulate matter emanating from the product via a first openable portion (17). The pack comprises two films (13, 14) sealed together about a periphery to define a volume in which the product (12) is contained. The films at the openable portion (17) can be peeled apart in order to create an opening, but the size of the opening is limited by the provision of stronger connections (52) on either side of the openable portion.