Side Panel Loop Handle for Flexible Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large-sized flexible packaging is difficult to carry due to its ergonomic issues, as handles are often located at the top, leading to higher lifting efforts and potential deformation or breakage of the handle.
Innovation Solution
A panel for flexible packaging is designed with a loop handle formed by a first laminate with an open area, a second laminate extending from the top edge to the bottom edge, and a third laminate sealing the open area, allowing the area between the top and bottom edges of the second laminate to remain free and form a loop.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If handles are provided at the top of the package, then the package can be lifted and carried, but the entire load is centered on the handles leading to higher lifting effort and potential deformation or breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the handle from the traditional top position to the side panel of the package. This dimensional relocation changes the load distribution geometry, allowing the handle to be integrated into the side panel structure rather than being a separate top-mounted component. The handle loop is formed within the side panel area, distributing load across a broader structural region and reducing stress concentration.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is merged with the side panel structure itself rather than being a separate component. The second laminate forms both the side panel and the handle loop in one continuous structure, eliminating weak points where separate components would connect. This integration strengthens the handle by making it an inherent part of the panel's load-bearing structure.
2Ease of operation
If handles are provided at the top of the package, then the package can be lifted, but large-sized vertical packs require higher lifting effort as the package has to be lifted further away from the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is repositioned from the top vertical position to the side panel area, creating a lateral handle configuration. This dimensional change allows the user to lift the package from the side rather than from the top, effectively reducing the vertical lift distance required and decreasing the effort needed to clear the package from the ground.
3Ease of operation
If handles are provided at the top of the package, then the package can be carried, but the handle area needs to be cut completely before product inside the package can be dispensed
Solution Approach 1:
The side panel is segmented to create the handle loop through controlled slits rather than requiring complete removal of the handle area. The second laminate is slit to form the handle loop, allowing the handle to remain intact while enabling product access. This segmentation approach maintains the handle structure while creating openings for product dispensing.
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 loop handle provides a more ergonomic and structurally strong means of carrying large-sized flexible packages, distributing the weight more evenly and reducing the risk of handle deformation or breakage.
Implementation Method 1
sealing at at-least a first sealing station all edges of the second laminate around the open-area from the inner face of the first laminate
Data Source
AI summary
A panel for a flexible package (100), and a method and system for forming the panel is provided. The panel comprises a first laminate having an open-area; a second laminate extending from a top edge to a bottom edge; and a third laminate, the third laminate sealed with the first laminate to cover the open-area, and the top edge and the bottom edge of the second laminate sealed between the first laminate and the third laminate such that area between the top edge and the bottom edge of the second laminate remains free forming a loop with the panel. The panel preferably forms a side-gusset (102) of a flexible packaging pouch, wherein the loop can be used as a handle (110) to carry the flexible package.