Recloseable Food Package Spout With Radially Inward End Portion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recloseable food package spouts with membranes can leave rough or uneven surfaces after membrane separation, which can be uncomfortable for direct consumption and may allow contamination through the neck/cap interface.
Innovation Solution
A spout design featuring a tubular member with a radially inwardly extending end portion and a cut surface positioned inwardly from the main body, allowing smoother separation and resealing, and a cap with cutting elements to separate the membrane from the spout, ensuring a smoother edge for consumer contact and effective sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a membrane is cut from the spout during opening, then the spout can be opened for discharge, but the cutting action leaves a rough or uneven surface at the upper end of the spout
Solution Approach 1:
The spout is divided into two distinct parts: a main body and a radially inwardly extending end portion. The membrane is attached to the end portion and is designed to be separated during opening, while the main body retains a smooth surface for consumer contact. This segmentation allows the rough cutting action to occur on the disposable end portion while preserving the smooth main body.
Solution Approach 2:
The end portion of the spout, which will undergo the cutting action and become rough, is extracted as a separate functional element from the main body. This end portion is radially inwardly extending and is designed to be separated or removed, taking the rough surface with it, while the main body maintains its smooth surface for drinking.
2Ease of operation
If the membrane is separated from the spout, then the spout can be used for drinking, but the rough surface may contact the consumer's lips causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The spout is segmented into a main body and a radially inwardly extending end portion. The membrane is attached to the end portion and is designed to be separated during opening, while the main body retains a smooth surface for consumer contact. This segmentation allows the rough cutting action to occur on the disposable end portion while preserving the smooth main body.
Solution Approach 2:
The end portion extends radially inwardly from the main body, creating a dimensional distinction. When the membrane is cut, the rough surface is created on the end portion that is radially inward, while the main body's outer surface remains smooth and radially outward, positioned to contact the consumer's lips.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a threaded neck with cap is used for recloseable opening, then shelf-life is extended, but polluted media can enter via the neck/cap interface
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible membrane is used to seal the spout of the threaded neck. The membrane can be cut during initial opening to allow discharge, and then the cap can be reclosed to maintain sealing. The membrane acts as a flexible barrier that prevents contamination through the neck/cap interface while allowing controlled opening and reclosing.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3~6
AI summary
A spout (100) forming part of a neck (20) of a package (10) is provided. The spout (100) comprises a membrane (150), and a tubular member (110) having a main body (112) and an end portion (114) extending axially from the main body (112), the tubular member (110) being releasably attached to said membrane (150). The end portion (114) is arranged radially inwards of the main body (112).