Dispensing system for flexible packaging

Technical description

The innovation consists in the modification of the flexible container to turn it into a liquid dispenser, transforming the nozzle design. The modification in the nozzle allows to regulate the discharge flow of the container so that, depending on the physical characteristics of the liquid, such as viscosity and density, adjust the physical parameters of the outlet tube, length, diameter according to Poiseuille's law to obtain the target flow. The system takes advantage of one of the qualities of the flexible container, and that is that it deforms during the discharge of liquid as it empties, partially compensating for the drop in internal pressure and allowing the emptying of the liquid. The design of the nozzles can be adapted to perform various applications depending on each liquid and desired flow. For example, as an oil doser, cruet, and dispensers of soap, shampoo, wine, juices, liquors, etc ... can be manufactured, giving the possibility of developing flexible packaging adapted to each application.

An example of the application of this invention is an oil can, where with a set of diameter/length it gives an initial flow of about 4 grams/sec of virgin olive oil. For vinegar, with different pair diameter/length gives a flow of 3.4 grams/sec; the same of some oil and vinegar dispenser in the market.

Improvements provided by the system and what does it solve

Rigid containers have a number of qualities: appearance, do not deform, can be displayed in a vertical position, are easily transportable and stackable, can have great mechanical and chemical resistance and may be reusable. As weak points, they are heavy, spacious and involve air transport. On the other hand, flexible packaging is light, inexpensive, requires less material, takes up less space, has great chemical resistance, and is hermetic. They are more easily suitable for 'throwaway'. On the contrary, they have the appearance at the point of sale, although with the incorporation of the 'doypack' they can be displayed vertically. The process of forming the container and filling can be incorporated in a single productive machine, having less expense in container transport and filling than those of the traditional rigid container. The dosing system explained gives the opportunity to manufacture with flexible material a great variety of liquid dispensers that are now only found in the market in rigid containers. These dispensers would have all the virtues of flexible containers and would have the functionality that the dosage of the liquid in solid packaging, but at a much lower cost. As less material is needed, and the transport required for its production is reduced, it implies a lower carbon footprint, since the energy required has been less in its production cycle.

Current development status

Working prototypes

Desired business relationship

Joint ventures

Technology development

New technology applications

Adaptation of technology to other markets

Intellectual property status

Patent already applied for

Patent application number : P202130362

Where :