Biodegradable Softgel Capsule with Pre-Weakened Shell for One-Handed Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-dose containers for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and nutritional supplements are often difficult to open, require two hands, and may not be biodegradable or provide sprayable delivery, limiting their usability and environmental sustainability.
Innovation Solution
A softgel capsule package with a shell formed from a protein or polysaccharide gelling agent, featuring one or more areas of reduced thickness that rupture upon compression, allowing for easy opening and dispensing of the contents either by squeezing or spraying, and is completely biodegradable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional single-dose containers are used, then product delivery is achieved, but opening difficulty increases and requires two hands
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule shell is pre-formed with a specific structural feature (narrow portion or pre-scored line) that anticipates the opening action. This preliminary structural preparation allows the capsule to be opened easily by squeezing along the predetermined weak point, eliminating the need for complex opening mechanisms or two-handed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule shell is divided into regions of different thickness or strength, with a designated narrow portion or pre-scored line that is intentionally weakened. This segmentation allows the shell to break open at the predetermined location when subjected to squeezing force, providing easy one-handed opening while maintaining overall structural integrity for product protection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional packaging materials are used, then container strength is maintained, but biodegradability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The material composition of the capsule shell is changed from traditional non-biodegradable materials to biodegradable materials such as gelatin, alginate, or starch-based polymers. By adjusting the chemical composition and physical parameters of the material, the capsule maintains sufficient strength for product protection and handling while gaining biodegradability, thus reducing environmental impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule shell may utilize composite material structures combining biodegradable polymers with reinforcing agents or layered constructions. This allows the shell to achieve the necessary mechanical strength for containment and handling while maintaining biodegradability, resolving the contradiction between strength and environmental friendliness.
3Ease of operation
If uniform thickness capsule shell is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but controlled rupture and spray delivery are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule shell is designed with non-uniform thickness, featuring a predetermined narrow portion or pre-scored line with reduced thickness compared to the rest of the shell. This local variation in quality allows the capsule to rupture controllably at the designated location when squeezed, enabling reliable spray delivery. The manufacturing process incorporates this thickness variation through techniques like pre-scoring, localized thinning, or asymmetric molding, balancing manufacturing feasibility with functional performance.
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 softgel capsule package is simple to use, inexpensive to manufacture, compact, lightweight, and effective in delivering a single-dose product, providing easy access and control over the dispensing process while being environmentally friendly.
Implementation Method 1
one or more areas of reduced shell thickness configured to preferentially rupture by exertion of a compression force on the softgel capsule shell
Data Source
AI summary
A package for delivering a single-dose product includes a softgel capsule which is comprised of at least one gelling agent selected from protein-based gelling agents and polysaccharide-based gelling agents. The capsule shell includes one or more areas of reduced thickness that are preferentially ruptured by exertion of a compressive force on the softgel capsule to create an opening in the capsule shell through which the fill composition can be delivered by spraying or squeezing. A method for manufacturing the softgel capsule having one or more areas of reduced shell thickness is also described.