Separable Lid Structure for Powdered Product Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powdered product packaging, such as infant nutrition and milk formula containers, are difficult to recycle due to the strong adhesive and mechanical connections between the container and closure, making manual separation nearly impossible without tools.
Innovation Solution
A package design featuring a separation region with a point or line of weakness above the seal, allowing for easy disassembly of the closure from the container, facilitated by a gripping region and tear band, enabling manual separation without compromising the seal's integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If strong adhesive and mechanical connections are used between container and closure, then sealing integrity and durability are improved, but ease of separation for recycling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the connection system into two distinct regions: a strong adhesive connection region for sealing integrity and a weak connection region (separation region) for easy separation. The separation region is created by applying adhesive only to a portion of the circumferential rim, specifically excluding a predetermined region, thereby creating a localized weak point that facilitates manual separation while maintaining overall seal strength.
2Strength
If adhesive is applied to the entire circumferential rim, then connection strength is improved, but separation effort and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different adhesive properties to different regions of the circumferential rim. The first region receives adhesive application for strong connection, while the second predetermined region is intentionally left without adhesive or with reduced adhesive to create a separation initiation point. This local differentiation allows the majority of the rim to maintain strong bonding while providing a specific location for easy manual separation.
3Reliability
If complete adhesive coverage is used, then connection reliability is improved, but recyclability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive application pattern is segmented into covered and uncovered regions on the circumferential rim. This segmentation creates a built-in separation mechanism that enables easy manual detachment of the closure from the container body, thereby facilitating recycling operations without requiring specialized tools or processes, while still maintaining reliable connection in the adhesive-covered regions.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A package for a powdered nutritional product comprises a container for receiving the product, the container having a base and a peripheral wall extending to an open top surrounded by a peripheral edge wherein at least the peripheral wall comprises a carton material. A seal for closing the container prior to use is connected to the peripheral wall adjacent the peripheral edge and is at least partially removable to gain access to the product. The package further comprises a closure, made of plastic material, including a circumferential rim connected to the peripheral wall and defining an access opening and a lid, pivotably attached to the rim for selectively closing the access opening. A separation region is provided for facilitating the separation of the container and the closure after use, the separation region being located above the seal and defining a point or line of weakness where separation can be initiated by a user.