Active agent-containing articles and product-shipping assemblies for containing the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fibrous structures containing active agents face challenges in achieving consumer-acceptable in-use properties such as flexibility and dissolvability, and conventional packaging methods are labor-intensive and costly, with a need for more efficient shipping solutions that minimize waste and reduce shipping costs.
Innovation Solution
The development of fibrous structures comprising multiple fibrous elements with releasable active agents, designed to exhibit specific dimensions and properties for optimal flexibility and dissolvability, packaged in a shipping container that minimizes volume while ensuring secure and protected transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional packaging materials such as bubble wrap and styrofoam are used, then product protection is improved, but shipping cost and waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the product packaging function with the shipping container structure itself. The container is designed with internal features such as recesses, protrusions, and interlocking elements that directly secure the product, eliminating the need for separate protective packaging materials like bubble wrap and styrofoam.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary protective packaging materials from the shipping system. By designing the container to provide inherent protection through its structure, the patent removes extraneous packaging layers, reducing waste while maintaining product security.
2Reliability
If protective dunnage is added to shipping containers, then product security is improved, but handling difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the security function with the container structure itself. Internal recesses, protrusions, and interlocking features are integrated into the container design, providing product security without adding separate handling steps or complex packaging assemblies.
3Volume of stationary object
If shipping container size is reduced to minimize shipping costs, then shipping cost decreases, but product protection capability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin-walled container structures with integrated internal support features. The container walls and internal structures are designed to provide adequate protection through strategic geometric features rather than through increased material thickness or volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the container interior into specialized zones with specific protection functions. Different regions of the container incorporate different structural features (recesses, protrusions, partitions) tailored to protect specific product components, maximizing protection efficiency within limited volume.
4Reliability
If conventional packaging methods are used, then product protection is achieved, but labor intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges packaging and shipping functions into a single integrated container design. The container is manufactured as a unified structure with built-in protection features, eliminating the need for separate packaging operations and reducing labor intensity.
Data Source
AI summary
Active agent-containing articles, for example fibrous structures, that exhibit consumer acceptable article in-use properties, such as flexibility, article dimensions, and/or dissolvability, and product-shipping assemblies for containing the same are provided.