Segmented Packaging with Variable Cut Depth for Controlled Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging solutions for stacked consumable products, such as metallic foil, face challenges with 'dead fold' characteristics that make it difficult to remove excess packaging while dispensing individual pieces, and films, while cost-effective, may not provide optimal severability patterns for efficient product dispensing.
Innovation Solution
A sheet-like package with longitudinally spaced weakened locations, where cuts are deeper at the ends than at the center, allowing for easier severance at the ends while resisting inadvertent severing at the center, facilitating efficient dispensing of product pieces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If metallic foil is used as outer wrapper, then the package can be opened and reclosed, but the dead fold characteristics make it difficult to remove excess packaging
Solution Approach 1:
The foil wrapper is divided into multiple segments through transverse weakened locations (score lines) that allow the package to be easily separated into portions. This segmentation enables users to remove only the needed amount of product while leaving the rest sealed, solving the difficulty of removing excess packaging while maintaining the ability to reclose the remaining portion.
2Ease of manufacture
If film is used instead of foil, then cost is reduced, but severability pattern optimization is needed for efficient product dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The film package incorporates localized quality variations through different weakened location patterns at specific positions. Transverse score lines are placed at intervals to facilitate easy separation, while the central portion maintains stronger bonding. This local differentiation optimizes dispensing efficiency by allowing easy portion separation without compromising the integrity of the remaining package, all while using cost-effective film material.
3Ease of operation
If uniform weakened locations are provided throughout the package, then severing is facilitated, but inadvertent severing at the center may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The package design applies different weakened location patterns to different regions: transverse score lines are concentrated at the ends and intermediate portions to facilitate intentional severing, while the central region has reduced or no weakened locations. This local quality differentiation enables easy severing where needed while preventing inadvertent center severing that would compromise the remaining package integrity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A package (110) supports and dispenses one or more longitudinally stacked product pieces (18). The package includes a sheet positioned around the stacked product pieces. The sheet includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced weakened locations (120) extending transversely thereabout. Each weakened location defines a severable location for the sheet to permit dispensing of the product from the package. The weakened locations adjacent each longitudinal end of the package are more easily severable than weakened locations at the center of the package. In an embodiment, the weakened (120) locations are formed by spaced apart cuts and the more easily severable weakened locations adjacent each longitudinal end of the package include cuts which are deeper than cuts forming the less easily severable weakened locations at the centre of the package. The weakened locations may include a pair of weakened extents (125) which are closely longitudinally spaced.