Blister Pack Orientation Inversion for Package Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional blister packs are prone to damage when removed from outer packages, as the vulnerable lid foil faces outward, making them inconvenient to carry and access, and the process of pulling them out is also cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

A package design featuring a closeable and openable outer package with two rigid members connected by a flexible web, where the inner package's lid foil faces inwardly, providing additional protection, and the panel members or blister packs are attached to the outer package's attachment portions, allowing for easy access by folding, with optional engagement means for enhanced security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the blister pack is removed from the outer package for carrying, then the lid foil faces outwardly, but this makes the package prone to damage and inconvenient to carry

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveConvenience of carryingVSAvoidProtection against damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional orientation by making the lid foil face inwardly toward the base panel instead of outwardly. This is achieved through the specific folding configuration where the side wall panels are folded back and the blister pack is positioned with its lid foil facing the inner surface of the outer package, thereby protecting the vulnerable lid foil from damage during carrying.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The blister pack is nested within the outer package in a configuration where the lid foil is positioned inside the protective enclosure of the outer package. The inner package is inserted into the outer package such that the vulnerable lid foil is shielded by the rigid outer package structure, similar to how nested dolls provide protective layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the blister pack is removed from the outer package, then it can be accessed individually, but the process of pulling it out is cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAccessibility of inner packageVSAvoidTime required for removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The package is segmented into distinct components: the outer package with rigid base panel and side wall panels, the flexible web portion, and the inner package with blister pack. The side wall panels are provided with folds that create attachment portions, allowing the inner package to be easily detached by folding these portions, thus simplifying the removal process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The package incorporates flexible elements including the flexible web portion connecting the side wall panels and the folds in the side wall panels themselves. These dynamic elements allow the package to be easily opened and the inner package removed through simple folding motions, reducing the time and effort required for access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the lid foil faces outwardly for easy access, then individual blisters can be reached, but the lid foil is vulnerable to damage

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveProtection of lid foilVSAvoidAccess to products

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Strength

If the outer package members are made rigid for protection, then the structure is strong, but the package becomes harder to open and access

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveStrength of outer packageVSAvoidOpenability of package

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The package is segmented into distinct components: the outer package with rigid base panel and side wall panels, the flexible web portion connecting the side wall panels, and the inner package with blister pack. The side wall panels are provided with folds that create attachment portions, allowing the inner package to be easily detached by folding these portions, thus simplifying the removal process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs flexible elements including the flexible web portion connecting the side wall panels and the folds in the side wall panels themselves. These flexible elements are strategically placed to provide rigidity where needed for protection while allowing easy folding and opening where access is required, creating a balanced structure that combines strength with operability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP1899242B1Package for goods

Publication Date: 2011.02.23 NOVARTIS AG

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4

AI summary

A package comprises an outer package (2) having two members (20, 21) connected to one another via a flexible web portion (22). Each member (20, 21) comprises a base panel (200, 210) and two opposite side wall panels (201, 202, 211, 212). One of the side wall panels (201, 211 ) has an attachment (204, 214) portion extending towards the opposite side wall panel (202, 212). An inner package comprises blister pack members (3) comprising an edge portion (304, 314) attached to the attachment portion (204,214) of the outer package member (20, 21 ) such, that in a closed state the goods carried by the blister pack member are facing towards the base panel (200,210). The members (20,21) are folded towards each other via the flexible web portion (22). In an open state the outer package members (20, 21 ) are unfolded and the members (3) can be accessed by folding the blister pack member (30, 31 ) away from the opposite side (202, 212) wall panel.