Tear Tab Closure Strip with Segmented Backing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure strips for product packaging are inefficient, costly, and difficult to open, often requiring manual cutting or tearing, which can damage the package and create a negative user experience.
Innovation Solution
A closure device featuring a closure strip with a permanent adhesive and a breakout portion on the backing that separates and remains adhered to the strip when removed, allowing for easy application and opening without damaging the package.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a closure strip with permanent adhesive is used to secure the flap, then the closure reliability is improved, but the difficulty of opening increases and may require manual cutting or tearing
Solution Approach 1:
The backing is segmented into a breakout portion and a remaining portion through a perforation line. The breakout portion is designed to separate from the remaining portion when the closure strip is peeled off, creating a clean separation that allows the closure strip to be removed without damaging the package while maintaining secure attachment during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The breakout portion acts as an intermediary element between the closure strip and the remaining backing. It provides a controlled separation point that facilitates easy opening by allowing the closure strip to peel away cleanly from the package without requiring forceful tearing or cutting.
2Ease of operation
If the closure strip is removed entirely from the backing for application, then the ease of operation is improved, but the closure strip may be lost or misplaced
Solution Approach 1:
The backing is divided into two functional portions: the breakout portion that separates to enable removal, and the remaining portion that retains the closure strip. This segmentation allows the closure strip to be partially removed for application while maintaining connection to the remaining backing, preventing loss or misplacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The breakout portion is nested within the overall backing structure, allowing it to separate and be pulled away while the closure strip remains attached to the remaining backing. This nested configuration enables controlled partial removal similar to a nested doll structure where one element can be extracted while another remains.
3Ease of operation
If the closure strip is torn open for opening, then the ease of operation is improved, but the package may be damaged and create waste
Solution Approach 1:
The breakout portion serves as an intermediary that absorbs the opening action. When the user pulls on the breakout portion, it separates cleanly along the perforation line, allowing the closure strip to be removed without applying stress to the package itself. This intermediary mechanism prevents package damage that would occur with direct tearing.
Solution Approach 2:
The breakout portion is extracted or separated from the remaining backing through the perforation line. This extraction creates a clean separation point that allows the closure strip to be removed without damaging the package, eliminating the need for forceful tearing that could harm the package structure.
4Ease of manufacture
If a traditional closure strip without breakout portion is used, then the manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the closure strip cannot be easily removed without leaving residue or damaging the package
Solution Approach 1:
The backing is segmented into breakout and remaining portions through a simple perforation line, which can be easily manufactured using standard perforation equipment. This segmentation enables easy removal of the closure strip without requiring complex mechanisms or additional manufacturing steps, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while improving ease of operation.
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 closure device improves user experience by allowing easy and efficient opening of packages without waste, reducing manufacturing costs, and ensuring the closure strip remains attached to the package, preventing damage and unnecessary disposal.
Implementation Method 1
the closure strip includes a permanent adhesive on a back face thereof adapted to affix the closure strip to a package
Implementation Method 2
a breakout portion of the backing is configured to separate from a remaining portion of the backing and remain adhered to the closure strip when the closure strip is removed from the backing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A closure device may include a backing (250, 350) and a closure strip (200, 300) removably provided on the backing (250, 350), wherein the closure strip (200, 300) includes a permanent adhesive on a back face thereof adapted to affix the closure strip (200, 300) to a package (100), wherein a breakout portion (252, 352) of the backing (250, 350) is configured to separate from the backing (250, 350) and remain adhered to the closure strip (200, 300) when the closure strip (200, 300) is removed therefrom. A product package (100) may include a carton having a flap (120) movable between an open position and a closed position, and a closure device affixed to a portion of the flap (120) and a separate portion of the carton when the flap (120) is in the closed position, wherein a first portion of the closure device is removable from the separate portion of the carton while the first portion remains attached to the portion of the flap (120).