Reusable Wipes Container Closure for Rigid-Flexible Sealing Choice
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible wipes containers struggle to offer consumers a choice between rigid and flexible closure systems without increasing manufacturing costs and complexity, failing to cater to diverse consumer preferences effectively.
Innovation Solution
The assembly includes a flexible container with a pouch made of flexible sheet material and a closure element featuring a non-permanent adhesive sealing area that allows for both flexible sealing members and reusable rigid closure elements, enabling easy switching between closure types without additional manufacturing complexity or cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a relatively rigid closure element is provided, then ease of operation and reliability are improved, but manufacturing costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A removable closure element acts as an intermediary between the flexible pouch and the user, providing rigid closure functionality without permanently integrating complex mechanisms into the pouch structure. The closure element can be easily attached and removed, offering ease of operation while keeping the base pouch simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure system is segmented into a separate removable closure element and the flexible pouch body. This allows the closure functionality to be provided independently, improving ease of operation without increasing the complexity of the pouch manufacturing process.
2Reliability
If a relatively rigid closure element is provided, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The removable closure element serves as a mediator that provides reliable closure performance without requiring expensive integration into the pouch manufacturing process. The closure element can be manufactured separately using standard rigid material processes and then attached to the flexible pouch.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure element is designed to be universally applicable to different pouch types and sizes. This multi-functionality allows a single closure design to serve multiple purposes, reducing development and manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable closure performance across different applications.
3Ease of manufacture
If a flexible sealing member is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to adhesive deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The removable closure element acts as an intermediary that eliminates the need for flexible sealing members with adhesives. By providing a rigid barrier closure, the system avoids the adhesive deterioration problem while maintaining low manufacturing costs through the use of simple attachment mechanisms.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a removable closure element is provided, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is divided into modular components - a removable closure element and the pouch body. This segmentation provides adaptability as the closure element can be removed, replaced, or used in different configurations, while each individual component remains relatively simple in design.
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
This solution allows consumers to choose between rigid and flexible closure systems while maintaining cost-effectiveness and manufacturing simplicity, also contributing to environmental sustainability by reducing waste through the use of reusable closure elements.
Implementation Method 1
The sealing area of the assembly may comprise a non-permanent adhesive material for repeatedly adhering the flexible sealing member and releasably attaching the closure element
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly offering to consumers a choice between two types of closure systems for a wipes flexible container is provided. The assembly comprises at least one flexible container and a reusable closure element.