Aroma Releasing Package with Moveable Portions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging designs for edible products do not effectively release aromas until the product is ingested, missing an opportunity to enhance the sensory experience before and after consumption.

Innovation Solution

Packages with moveably engageable portions that incorporate aroma providing substances at contact points and exterior surfaces, where pressure from movement or handling ruptures microcapsules, releasing distinct aromas that complement, contrast, or represent the product's flavor or functional benefits, enhancing the user's sensory perception.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If conventional packaging designs are used, then the package structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the aroma is not released until the product is ingested, limiting sensory enhancement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearoma release timingVSAvoidpackage structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating aroma providing substances at contact points on moveably engageable portions of the package. When the package is opened or handled, these contact points generate pressure that ruptures microcapsules and releases aroma before the product is ingested, creating an early sensory indication of flavor or functional benefits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by placing aroma providing substances specifically at contact points where moveable portions engage with each other or with the package body. This localized placement ensures aroma release occurs precisely when and where mechanical interaction generates sufficient pressure, rather than uniformly throughout the package

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Loss of information

If aroma providing substances are applied only to exterior surfaces, then the application process is simple, but the aroma release is not triggered by package movement, reducing sensory engagement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearoma release triggerVSAvoidsubstance application
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent prepares microcapsules containing aroma providing substances in advance and positions them at contact points on moveably engageable portions. This preliminary placement ensures that the aroma release mechanism is pre-configured to activate automatically when mechanical pressure is applied during package opening or handling

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state or activation parameter of the aroma providing substances by using pressure-sensitive microcapsules. The capsules remain intact during normal handling but rupture when sufficient pressure is applied at contact points, transforming the activation condition from passive diffusion to active pressure-triggered release

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 release of aromas before and after consumption enhances the overall product experience by providing an early indication of the flavor or functional benefits, extending the sensory perception beyond ingestion.

Implementation Method 1

pressure from movement or handling ruptures microcapsules, releasing distinct aromas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure rupture of microcapsules: Fracture Mechanics

Data Source

PatentEP2361202B1Aroma releasing package with moveably engageable portions
Publication Date: 2015.08.05 INTERCONTINENTAL GREAT BRANDS LLC
  • EP2361202B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2361202B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2361202B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Packages with at least two moveably engageable portions have one or more aroma providing substances placed at one or more contact points on the portions such that the one or more aroma providing substances are released when the portions are moved relative to each other. The packages can also include one or more aroma providing substances on one or more exterior surfaces of the packages so as to provide a consumer with an immediate sensory impression.