Non-reclosable Thermoformed Package with Deformable Leak Path
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current child-resistant packaging for liquid or pasty substances is often impractical, ecologically and economically unsuitable, and poses risks of contamination and dosage inaccuracies due to uncontrolled flow and sharp edges, particularly in veterinary applications.
Innovation Solution
A non-resealable thermoformed packaging with a leak path that deforms under user pressure, ensuring controlled release and avoiding sharp edges, featuring a gripping zone with breakable ears and a convex score line for easy opening while preventing accidental leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional child-proof caps with offset threads are used, then child safety is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging is divided into a rigid base complex and a flexible lid complex that can be separated. The breakable zone allows the lid to be segmented from the base, providing child safety through secure attachment while simplifying the opening mechanism compared to multi-thread caps.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging utilizes a breakable zone with specific mechanical properties that change under force. The zone transitions from an intact sealed state to a broken open state, allowing simple opening action while maintaining child resistance through the designed break strength.
2Reliability
If overwrapped packaging is used for child resistance, then child safety is improved, but ease of operation and ecological interest worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The child safety function is extracted from the outer overwrap and integrated into the packaging structure itself through the breakable zone. This eliminates the need for separate overwrapped packaging while maintaining child resistance and improving ease of operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If rigid thermoformed cannulas are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but reliability and harmful factors worsen due to fracture risks
Solution Approach 1:
The leak path is formed as a flexible channel within the packaging structure rather than a rigid cannula. This flexible design eliminates fracture points while maintaining manufacturing precision through thermoforming processes, and prevents product loss from breaking.
4Manufacturing precision
If sharp edges are present at the applicator, then manufacturing precision is improved, but object-affected harmful factors worsen due to scratching risks
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator tip is designed with a convex, rounded shape instead of sharp edges. This curvature maintains manufacturing precision through controlled thermoforming while eliminating the harmful scratching effect on skin or mucous membranes.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a packaging comprising: a rigid shell that can be deformed by having a user apply pressure, said shell forming a storage space (1) containing a liquid or pasty substance; a breakage area (6) for releasing an applicator (3) for ejecting the liquid or pasty substance from said packaging; and a gripping area (5) including an escape path (7) for said liquid or pasty substance, the escape path being naturally closed when the user applies no pressure such that the liquid or pasty substance is prevented from being discharged after opening the packaging.