Zipper Flange Intermeshing Contours Prevent Film Gouging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Thinner gauge web laminate films used for packaging pose challenges when integrating a reclosable zipper, as crushing during bag side seal formation can cause tearing and create an aesthetically unpleasing appearance due to zipper profiles spreading and gouging the web film.

Innovation Solution

A reclosable zipper design featuring complementary intermeshing contours on consumer and product side flanges that constrain expansion and movement, preventing gouging of the web film by evenly distributing pressure and weight during seal formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If thinner gauge web laminate films are used for packaging, then weight reduction and material economy are achieved, but the films become susceptible to tearing and gouging during zipper crushing in seal formation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight of packaging filmVSAvoidresistance to tearing and gouging

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The flanges are pre-formed with intermeshing contours (crests and troughs) before the sealing process. This preliminary structural configuration ensures that when crushing occurs during seal formation, the contours already constrain the zipper profiles, preventing them from spreading and gouging the thinner web film.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of the zipper flanges by introducing intermeshing contours with specific crest and trough configurations. This parameter modification allows the flanges to interlock during crushing, transforming the crushing process from a harmful force into a controlled constraint mechanism that protects thinner web films.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If zipper profiles are crushed during bag side seal formation, then reclosable functionality is achieved, but the profiles spread outwardly and gouge the web film creating an aesthetically unpleasing appearance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereclosable functionalityVSAvoidappearance at bag side seals

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The flanges are pre-formed with intermeshing contours before the sealing process. This preliminary structural configuration ensures that when crushing occurs during seal formation, the contours already constrain the zipper profiles, preventing them from spreading and gouging the thinner web film.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8550715B2Zipper with intermeshing flange contours cross-reference to related applications

Publication Date: 2013.10.08 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC

AI summary

A reclosable zipper is illustrated, which includes a first profile having a first interlocking element, a first consumer side flange with a first consumer side intermeshing contour and a first product side flange with a first product side intermeshing contour. The zipper includes a second profile which includes a second interlocking element, a second consumer side flange with a second consumer side intermeshing contour, and a second product side flange with a second product side intermeshing contour. The first and second consumer side intermeshing contours are complementary intermeshing contours and the first and second product side intermeshing contours are complementary intermeshing contours. As a result, when the interlocking elements are engaged, the first and second consumer side intermeshing contours are capable of intermeshing and the first and second product side intermeshing contours are capable of intermeshing.