Card-Based Infant Formula Lid With Apertured Scoop Holder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infant formula package lids with scoop holders are often flexible and difficult to design effectively, especially when using alternative materials other than plastic, and do not facilitate easy and hygienic scoop storage and retrieval.
Innovation Solution
A card-based lid with an integrated scoop holder, featuring an apertured plate that securely retains the scoop, allowing for improved recycling and ensuring the scoop's stability and hygiene by using card-based materials for both the lid and scoop holder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If plastic lid constructions are used with scoop holders, then flexibility in design is improved, but recyclability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from plastic to card-based material for the lid and scoop holder assembly. This material substitution maintains design flexibility through die-cutting and folding techniques while improving recyclability by using paper-based materials that are more easily recycled than plastic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite card-based construction with multiple layers including paperboard, adhesive layers, and foil barriers. This composite structure provides the necessary mechanical properties, seal integrity, and design flexibility previously achieved with plastic, while improving environmental compatibility and recyclability.
2Reliability
If alternative materials other than plastic are used for the lid and scoop holder, then recyclability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the closure into separate components: the lid body and the scoop holder are formed as distinct elements that are subsequently assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and simplifies manufacturing by enabling separate formation and assembly of parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The scoop holder is pre-formed with the apertured plate structure before attachment to the lid. The aperture shape is pre-configured to match the scoop contour, and the holder is prepared in advance and then attached to the lid, streamlining the overall manufacturing process.
3Reliability
If the scoop holder is well-designed for retention, then reliability of scoop storage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by shaping the aperture of the apertured plate to specifically match the contour of the scoop. This localized customization of the aperture shape provides secure retention for the specific scoop design without requiring complex overall structure, achieving reliable retention through targeted geometric matching.
Data Source
AI summary
Packages for infant formula are disclosed herein. The packages include a container having an access opening to an interior space, for receiving the infant formula and a closure. Closures for the infant formula package are also disclosed herein. The closures are arranged for selectively closing the access opening and include a lid and a scoop holder located on an underside of the lid to retain a scoop, and the scoop holder has an apertured plate including an apertured portion with an aperture therethrough to receive at least part of the scoop, and both the lid and the scoop holder are formed of card-based material.