Single-Serve Beverage Container Base with Zoned Puncture Region
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-serve beverage containers face challenges in recyclability due to structural requirements for strength and punctureability, leading to difficulties during processing with existing equipment.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a substantially circular base with a frustoconically shaped wall and a stacking shoulder, including an outer support structure with an inwardly sloping continuous puncture region positioned effectively from the edge, enhancing punctureability while maintaining rigidity and allowing for easy recycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the container structure is made stronger to maintain rigidity during handling, then the container can be handled by existing equipment, but the punctureability of the base deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The base is segmented into distinct functional zones: an outer support structure for rigidity, a transition region for gradual property change, and an inner puncture region for easy penetration. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its specific function without compromising overall performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the base are assigned different structural properties. The outer support structure maintains high strength and rigidity for equipment handling, while the inner puncture region is designed with lower resistance for easy penetration by brewing needles. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between overall strength and localized punctureability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the base is made more puncturable with existing designs, then punctureability improves, but processing difficulties arise with existing equipment
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the base into functional zones with distinct properties, the design achieves high punctureability in the inner region while maintaining adequate structural support in the outer region for reliable equipment processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The base structure incorporates dimensional variations through the transition region, creating a gradient from the outer support structure to the inner puncture region. This dimensional approach allows the base to satisfy both punctureability and processing reliability requirements simultaneously.
3Strength
If conventional container materials and structures are used, then structural strength is maintained, but recyclability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The design modifies structural parameters by creating a zoned base structure with varying thickness and density. This allows the container to maintain necessary strength for handling while using less material overall, improving recyclability. The transition region specifically optimizes the gradient of material distribution.
Data Source
AI summary
The present description includes containers having an improved puncture design that can be punctured without substantial deformation of the container. Such containers are particularly suitable for use in preparing beverages using automatic machines, particularly those used for preparation of single serve beverages. Also provided are thermoplastic materials having improved punctureability for use in containers, containers for preparation of a beverage, and methods for preparing a beverage using such containers.