Biodegradable Packing Insert for Ice Cones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging solutions for baked, crisp ice cones are either inefficient in protecting the cones during transport and handling, leading to breakage, and have a significant environmental impact due to the use of non-decomposable materials like polystyrene, which also contribute to CO2 emissions.
Innovation Solution
A packing insert made from decomposable natural fibers, processed into a paper pulp and compression-molded into a shell shape with varying cavity sizes to fit different cone diameters, providing support and reducing mobility during transport, while being environmentally friendly and CO2-neutral.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stiff lightweight material like foamed polystyrene is used for packing inserts, then protection and support for ice cones is improved, but environmental impact worsens due to CO2 emissions and non-decomposability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from synthetic foamed polystyrene to decomposable natural fibers, transforming the environmental properties while maintaining the protective function. The natural fibers are processed into a pulp with specific thickness (200-320 g/m²) to achieve the required mechanical properties for cone support.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite natural fiber materials processed into paper pulp to create a shell structure. This composite approach combines multiple natural fibers to achieve both the mechanical strength needed for protection and the biodegradability required for environmental friendliness.
2Reliability
If conventional packing inserts are used, then ice cones are protected, but mobility of cones during transport increases leading to breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating shaped cavities with specific width adaptations to match cone diameters. The cavities are designed to contact and support the cones at specific locations, providing localized protection and immobilization where needed while maintaining overall insert flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert design creates a stable support environment for the cones by ensuring uniform contact and distribution of support forces through the shaped cavities. This equipotential support prevents uneven settling and mobility that would lead to breakage during transport.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If decomposable natural fibers are used, then environmental friendliness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to pulp processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical molding processes with a simpler pulp-based manufacturing system. The natural fibers are processed into paper pulp and then compression-molded into the shell shape, which is a more straightforward and environmentally compatible process than traditional foamed plastic manufacturing.
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 solution effectively reduces cone breakage and waste by providing optimal support and protection during handling and transport, while being environmentally friendly by being fully biodegradable and reducing storage space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
the insert consists of decomposable natural fibres
Implementation Method 2
The insert is made by compression moulding of the paper material for achieving the desired shell shape
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention describes a packing insert for secure packing of ice cones, the insert including shaped cavities, each adapted for receiving stacked ice cones, wherein the insert is designed as a stackable shell, and where the insert consists of decomposable natural fibres. The invention furthermore describes use of the insert for packing and transport of ice cones.