Alveolate Support Using Embossed Paper Cushion Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
The packaging industry faces challenges with polymeric materials of fossil origin, which have a significant environmental impact and require complex equipment for production, necessitating the development of more sustainable alternatives for alveolate supports used in food product packaging.
Innovation Solution
The use of multilayer paper cushion plates made from renewable sources, such as embossed paper sheets, to create alveolate supports that can be designed for various shapes and sizes, providing effective protection and aesthetic qualities while reducing environmental impact and production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If polymeric materials of fossil origin are used to make alveolate supports, then manufacturing precision and productivity are improved, but environmental impact worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from synthetic polymeric materials to natural paper-based materials, maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled embossing and lamination processes while eliminating the environmental harm associated with fossil-based plastics
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs disposable paper-based alveolate supports that can be easily discarded after use, replacing durable but environmentally harmful plastic containers. The paper material is designed for single-use applications, aligning with the principle of using inexpensive, short-living objects to reduce environmental impact
2Productivity
If polymeric material transformation techniques are used, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and environmental impact worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential functional requirements of alveolate supports (shape, cushioning, aesthetic quality) from complex polymeric transformation processes and achieves them through simpler paper-based embossing and lamination techniques, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical polymeric transformation systems with simpler mechanical paper processing systems involving embossing rollers and lamination equipment, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high production efficiency
3Shape
If polymeric materials are used for alveolate supports, then shape design flexibility and aesthetic characteristics are improved, but recyclability and disposal ease worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from non-recyclable polymeric materials to recyclable and compostable paper-based materials, enabling easy disposal and recycling while maintaining shape design flexibility through embossing and forming techniques
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables easy discarding of paper-based alveolate supports after use, with the material being readily recyclable or compostable. This contrasts with polymeric materials that are difficult to recycle, thus implementing the principle of facilitating discarding and recovering processes
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 enables the creation of alveolate supports with a lower environmental footprint, offering effective packaging and protection for food products while allowing for design flexibility and reduced production costs, aligning with sustainability requirements and regulatory standards.
Implementation Method 1
the embossed paper sheets allow to obtain a laminated paper product having damping characteristics adapted to protect confectionery products
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus (400) for making an alveolate support (100) for products, preferably food products. The alveolate support (100) comprising a first plate-like body (102) provided with at least one through opening (112) and a second plate-like body (114) fixed to the first plate-like body (102) so as to close said at least one through opening (112) defining a respective at least one blind opening (116). Specifically, the first plate-like body (102) and optionally the second plate-like body (114) are formed with at least one multilayer paper cushion plate (PC1) comprising at least one embossed paper sheet (Le1, Lem). Furthermore, the present invention relates to an alveolate support (100) thus obtainable.