Stick Pack Pouch With Closed Plastic Spout and Sealing Plug
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stick pack pouch manufacturing methods do not enable the integration of a closed plastic spout with a sealing plug, limiting the functionality and convenience of the packaging.
Innovation Solution
A production method and machine that incorporate a horizontal or slightly sloped setting portion to create perforations in the foil, insert closed plastic spouts, and weld them to the foil, allowing the spouts to protrude and be guided through the manufacturing process without interference, resulting in a stick pack pouch with a closed spout and sealing plug.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a closed plastic spout with sealing plug is integrated into the stick pack pouch, then functionality and convenience are enhanced, but the manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spout is pre-formed with a closed end and sealing plug before insertion into the foil structure. The perforation is pre-created at the desired location, and the spout is then inserted and sealed in advance, allowing the complex spout integration to be completed before the final pouch assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The spout with sealing plug is nested within the foil pouch structure, with the spout protruding from one end of the flattened tube configuration. The spout is positioned within the pouch geometry, creating a nested arrangement where the spout structure is integrated into the overall pouch form.
2Ease of operation
If the spout is inserted through the foil, then the pouring function is enabled, but the risk of compromising hermetic sealing increases
Solution Approach 1:
A sealing plug is used as an intermediary element that closes the spout opening and maintains the hermetic seal. The sealing plug acts as a mediator between the spout protrusion and the foil structure, ensuring that the opening remains sealed when not in use while still allowing controlled pouring when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical sealing action is replaced by a simple closed spout design with an integrated sealing plug that can be manually actuated. Instead of complex mechanical sealing mechanisms, the design uses a simple closed structure that can be opened for pouring and automatically seals when closed.
3Ease of operation
If the spout protrudes from the foil, then the pouring access is improved, but interference with the forming process may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The spout is segmented into distinct portions: a protruding portion that extends from the foil for pouring access, and a closed portion that remains integrated with the foil structure. This segmentation allows the spout to provide pouring functionality while the closed portion maintains structural integrity and avoids interference with the forming process.
Solution Approach 2:
The spout is pre-formed and positioned in the foil structure before the final sealing and filling operations. By preparing the spout structure in advance with its protruding and closed portions properly positioned, the subsequent forming process can proceed without interference from the spout protrusion.
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
Enables the production of stick pack pouches with a closed plastic spout and sealing plug, enhancing functionality and convenience by allowing easy pouring and sealing, while maintaining hermetic sealing and product integrity.
Implementation Method 1
contact and weld to each other by a longitudinal welder creating a longitudinal weld line
Implementation Method 2
sealing hermetically the flattened tube configuration
Data Source
Figure 1~1A
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The stick pack pouch production method comprises following steps: conveying a tensioned foil (13) from a supply bobbin (10); cutting the foil (13) longitudinally into parallel strips (15); bending each strip (15) around a tube (17) while conveyed in a vertical conveyance path through bending deflectors (16), causing two side edge regions of each strip (15) contact and weld to each other creating a longitudinal weld line (27), providing a foil tubular conduct (15a); repeatedly at regular intervals, collapsing and welding each foil tubular conduct (15a) below the tube (17), forming a chain of stick pack pouches (1); and cutting transversally the chain of stick pack pouches (1), producing individual items, wherein in a setting portion preceding the conveyance vertical portion the method further comprises perforate the foil (13) and introducing one plastic spout (24) on each perforation (22) located in correspondence of one of the strips (15). A machine to implement the production method and a stick pack pouch (1) are disclosed.