Bag-in-shell package for dispensing bulk material

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gravity feed dispensers require complex installation processes for bag-in-shell packages, leading to inefficiencies and potential spillage during the opening and mounting of bulk material containers.

Innovation Solution

A bag-in-shell package design where the outer box tearable portion is strategically located to facilitate simultaneous opening of both the outer box and inner bag, with adhesion areas ensuring the inner bag breaks and releases content by gravity when the outer box is detached, allowing for quicker and spillage-free installation on a dispenser holder.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the outer box and inner bag are opened separately following traditional installation procedures, then the package can be properly opened, but the installation process becomes complex and time-consuming requiring removal of holder parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation processVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the opening of the outer box and inner bag into a single simultaneous action by positioning the tearable portion such that tearing it opens both packages at once, eliminating the need for separate opening steps and holder removal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tearable portion is pre-positioned and configured during package assembly so that a single tearing motion automatically opens both the outer box and inner bag in the correct sequence, preparing the bulk material for immediate dispensing without additional steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the package is opened before placement on the holder, then the bulk material can be accessed, but spillage occurs during the opening and transfer process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackage openingVSAvoidbulk material spillage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The package is positioned on the holder first, then opened in place using the tearable portion design, ensuring the bulk material remains contained until the moment of controlled release through the pre-configured tear lines

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The tearable portion acts as an intermediary mechanism that controls the opening process, allowing the outer box and inner bag to open simultaneously in a controlled manner that prevents material spillage during the transition from sealed to open state

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the inner bag is securely attached to the outer box, then the package maintains structural integrity, but opening the package becomes difficult and requires excessive force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackage structural integrityVSAvoidpackage opening
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The package opening system is segmented into a tearable portion with predefined tear lines that concentrate opening force at specific locations, allowing the rest of the package structure to remain intact while enabling easy opening through targeted tearing motions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tearable portion is positioned and configured with specific tear lines at critical locations where controlled separation is needed, allowing easy opening at these points while maintaining structural integrity of the remaining package components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Enables quicker and more efficient installation of bulk material containers, reducing spillage and simplifying the process of opening and refilling, while ensuring secure mounting and easy product visibility for customers.

Implementation Method 1

The inner bag is stressed via the adhesion area. The inner bag thus breaks, thus freeing its content which can drop because of the gravity.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3670382B1Bag-in-shell package for dispensing bulk material
Publication Date: 2022.05.11 SMURFIT KAPPA FRANCE
  • EP3670382B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3670382B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3670382B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A bag-in-shell package (70) for a gravity feed dispenser comprising an inner bag (80) for receiving a bulk material to be dispensed and an outer box (72) made of rigid or semi-rigid material such as cardboard or corrugated cardboard, comprising a bottom part (73f) and at least one standing wall (73a, 73b, 73c, 73d) that define a space for receiving the inner bag, wherein the outer box defines an outer box tear line (74a) that delimits an outer box tearable portion (74) and wherein the inner bag is fixed to the outer box at an adhesion area (50) that is within the borders of the outer box tearable portion.