Zipper Sachet Integration for Safety and Shelf Life
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sachets in storage bags are loosely contained, posing a safety risk as children may attempt to eat them, and their effectiveness is diminished once the package is opened due to increased air and humidity exposure.
Innovation Solution
A reclosable zipper system with a sachet attached to the zipper structure, either on the product or consumer side, using extruded flanges that form a unitary structure with the sachet, allowing for controlled environmental conditions within the bag and minimizing the risk of children accessing the sachet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If sachets are loosely contained inside the package, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but safety risk increases as children may attempt to eat them
Solution Approach 1:
The sachet is merged with the zipper structure by attaching it to the flange, creating a combined assembly where the sachet becomes an integrated component of the closure system. This eliminates the need for separate containment while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange acts as an intermediary element that connects the sachet to the zipper structure. By providing an attachment surface on the flange, the sachet is securely positioned without requiring complex containment mechanisms, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while improving safety.
2Device complexity
If sachets are loosely contained inside the package, then device complexity is low, but effectiveness is diminished once the package is opened due to increased air and humidity exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The sachet is pre-positioned on the flange in a location that allows it to remain effective after package opening. By attaching the sachet to the zipper structure rather than placing it loosely inside, the sachet maintains its protective function even when the package is opened and closed multiple times.
Solution Approach 2:
The sachet is combined with the zipper assembly, creating a unified structure where the sachet benefits from the zipper's position at the package opening. This merging ensures the sachet remains in optimal position to control the internal environment throughout the product's shelf life.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If sachets are attached to the zipper structure, then safety is improved by preventing accidental ingestion, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sachet is merged with the flange structure, which is already an integral part of the zipper assembly. This combining approach allows the sachet to be securely attached without adding significant structural complexity, as the flange serves dual purposes: zipper function and sachet mounting surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a structural component of the zipper and as a mounting surface for the sachet. This universal design element eliminates the need for separate attachment mechanisms, thereby improving safety while minimizing increases in device complexity.
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 attached sachet ensures safety by preventing accidental ingestion and maintains the shelf life of perishable items by controlling moisture, gas, and odor levels within the bag, even after opening, through the use of active ingredients like carbon, iron, and molecular sieves, while providing a cost-effective solution with improved packaging efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
controlling moisture and humidity, gas concentrations, odors, liquid levels, depending on the absorptive characteristics of the sachet
Implementation Method 2
an oxygen absorber sachet, utilizing known gas absorber chemistries
Implementation Method 3
utilizing known gas absorber chemistries
Implementation Method 4
controlling moisture and humidity
Implementation Method 5
depending on the absorptive characteristics of the sachet
Implementation Method 6
controlling moisture and humidity, gas concentrations, odors
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~4B
AI summary
A reclosable zipper (10) is disclosed which includes a first profile (12) containing a first interlocking element (14) and a first product side flange (16). A second profile (18) is provided which contains a second product side flange (22) and a second interlocking element (20) for reclosably interlocking with the first interlocking element (14). A sachet is provided on a flange either on the product or consumer side or extending between the first and second flanges.