Code Identifier Packaging Eliminates Plastic Windows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current food packaging with transparent windows is difficult to recycle due to the presence of plastic, which increases manufacturing costs and hinders recyclability, as consumers need to separate materials before recycling.
Innovation Solution
A virtually transparent packaging system using a code identifier component, such as a 2D bar code or RFID tag, linked to an image and information of the package contents, allowing consumers to view contents without opening the package, thus eliminating the need for a transparent window and enabling the use of single, recyclable materials like cardboard.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a transparent window is used in packaging to allow consumers to view contents, then consumers can inspect contents without opening the package, but the packaging becomes difficult to recycle due to mixed materials (plastic window with cardboard)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the transparent window component from the packaging structure entirely. Instead of having a physical transparent window made of plastic, the invention extracts this function and replaces it with a code identifier (barcode, QR code, or RFID tag) that provides access to digital images of the contents, thereby eliminating the material incompatibility issue while preserving the viewing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the package contents through images stored in a database. The code identifier on the package links to these digital images, which can be viewed by consumers using their mobile devices. This copying approach replaces the need for a physical transparent window while maintaining the ability to inspect contents.
2Ease of operation
If a transparent window is used in packaging, then consumers can view contents prior to purchase, but manufacturing costs increase due to the need for separate plastic components and assembly processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the expensive plastic window component and its associated assembly processes. By extracting the viewing function and replacing it with a printed code identifier, the manufacturing process becomes simpler and less costly, as it eliminates the need for plastic material, window fabrication, and integration steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the durable but expensive plastic window with a code identifier that can be printed directly on the package. This approach uses inexpensive printing technology instead of costly plastic fabrication and assembly, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while achieving the same consumer benefit.
3Ease of operation
If a transparent window is used in packaging, then consumers can inspect contents without opening the package, but the package cannot be made entirely from a single recyclable material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the plastic window component that creates material heterogeneity. By extracting this function and replacing it with a code identifier printed on the same material as the package body, the entire package can now be made from a single recyclable material, improving material uniformity and recyclability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves material homogeneity by replacing the plastic window with a code identifier that can be printed directly on the package material. This allows the entire package to be constructed from the same material (e.g., cardboard), creating a homogeneous structure that is easier to recycle without requiring material separation.
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 consumers to view package contents and information without opening the package, facilitating recycling of the entire package made from a single recyclable material, reducing manufacturing costs and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
radio-frequency identification is the use of electromagnetic energy to stimulate a responsive device (known as an RFID 'tag' or transponder) to identify itself and, in some cases, provide additionally stored data in the tag
Implementation Method 2
In the case of passive RFID devices, the energy of the interrogation signal also provides the necessary energy to operate the RFID tag device
Data Source
AI summary
A packaging system that is manufactured entirely out of recyclable materials and that allows consumers to view the items, such as food items, within the package container is disclosed. Specifically, the packaging system comprises a package container manufactured entirely out of recyclable materials, and a code identifier component positioned thereon which is linked to an image or other information of the product contained within the package container. The code identifier component is typically a 2D bar code or an RFID tag. Further, the image linked to the code identifier component can be generic, or the actual individual image of the product in the container, and the image can be associated with the product during its manufacture, or when it is packaged. The image can be viewed with a tablet, mobile phone, virtual reality headset, a provided terminal, or other suitable device.