Self-Opening Blister Package with Peelable Membrane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional blister packs require users to manually force products through a cover sheet or peel back a tab, which can be cumbersome and results in waste when the cover sheet is partially removed for dispensing, limiting ease of use and product freshness.
Innovation Solution
A self-opening blister-type package featuring a sleeve with a tray and membrane where the tray moves through a slot, with a peeling membrane that exposes product receptacles as it is pulled out, allowing easy access and resealing to maintain freshness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cover sheet is manually forced through or peeled back for product dispensing, then the product can be accessed, but the operation becomes cumbersome and waste occurs when the cover sheet is partially removed
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is designed to dynamically transition between sealed and peeled states. When the tray is pulled from the sleeve, the membrane automatically peels from the flange due to the leading edge being attached to the sleeve, exposing products for dispensing. The membrane can then be pushed back to reseal, allowing the system to adapt to different dispensing stages without manual intervention for each action.
Solution Approach 2:
The package structure performs the sealing and opening functions automatically through the interaction between the tray, membrane, and sleeve. When the tray is removed from the sleeve, the membrane self-peels from the flange, exposing the products without requiring the user to manually force or peel the cover sheet. After dispensing, the tray can be pushed back to automatically reseal the membrane.
2Ease of operation
If the cover sheet is peeled back to expose products, then access is gained, but product freshness is compromised and waste is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane provides a dynamic sealing solution that can transition between closed and open states. The membrane remains sealed to the flange when the tray is in the sleeve, maintaining product freshness. When needed, the tray removal causes the membrane to peel and expose products. After dispensing, the tray can be pushed back to restore the seal, preserving freshness for future use.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane is designed to be temporarily peeled away during dispensing but then recovered and reused. Instead of discarding the cover sheet after one use, the membrane can be pushed back to reseal the flange, allowing the same membrane to protect multiple products across multiple dispensing events, reducing waste and maintaining freshness.
3Ease of operation
If a tab is created for peeling the barrier layer, then ease of removal is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the opening function into the tray removal action itself. The leading edge of the membrane is attached to the sleeve, so when the tray is pulled from the sleeve, the membrane automatically peels from the flange. This combines the tray removal and membrane peeling into a single action, eliminating the need for separate tabs or breakaway features in the membrane or flange.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray serves multiple functions: it holds the products in cups, provides the flange for membrane attachment, and acts as the pulling mechanism that automatically peels the membrane when removed from the sleeve. The membrane itself serves dual purposes by sealing the flange and automatically peeling to expose products. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components like tabs.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-opening blister package is provided having a packaging sleeve or carton and a formed tray. The tray includes one or more receptacle cups, which are dimensioned to receive one or more products, such as gum or the like. A peelable membrane is sealed to the tray flange. A leading edge of the membrane is attached to the sleeve. The membrane peels away from the tray when the tray is removed from the sleeve. The peeling action exposes the product contained in the one or more cups. Once the desired amount of product is extracted, the tray can be pushed back into the sleeve and the membrane rolls back over the tray.