Confectionery Package with Lateral Walls

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Solution Overview

Problem

Confectionery products packaged without specific protection are at risk of damage during display and sale in single formats for immediate consumption, as they lack adequate support and protection against weight and handling.

Innovation Solution

A package design featuring a tubular outer wrapper with a dented sheet support that forms a tray with pre-arranged lateral walls, providing protection and support for the product by allowing it to be housed within a closed chamber, preventing damage from overlying weights and maintaining the product's appearance and quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If confectionery products are packaged without outer containers for immediate consumption, then the packaging is simpler and more suitable for snack consumption, but the products run a greater risk of damage from weight and handling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackaging structureVSAvoidproduct damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging is segmented into two functional parts: a simple outer wrapper for containment and a separate support structure with lateral walls for protection. This segmentation allows the outer wrapper to remain simple while the support structure provides the necessary protection against damage during display and handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging combines different materials with complementary properties: the outer wrapper provides a sealed environment while the support structure (made of rigid material) provides mechanical protection. This composite approach allows each component to specialize in its function, reducing overall complexity while maintaining protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a support structure with lateral walls is added to protect the product, then the product protection is improved, but the packaging complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct protectionVSAvoidpackaging structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical protection through lateral walls, enables stacking of multiple packages through engagement features, and facilitates consumer handling through a gripping portion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in packaging complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure merges several protective and functional features into a single integrated component: protection walls, stacking engagement features, and consumer gripping portions are combined in one piece, reducing the number of separate parts needed and simplifying the overall packaging structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the support is designed with lateral walls for protection, then the product is protected from weight and handling damage, but the consumer's ability to access and consume the product becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct protectionVSAvoidproduct accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is segmented into protective lateral walls and an open front portion. This segmentation allows the walls to provide protection while the open front maintains easy accessibility for consumers to remove and consume the product without obstruction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure has different qualities in different locations: rigid lateral walls for protection where needed, and an open, accessible front portion where consumer interaction is required. This local differentiation of structural properties ensures both protection and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3972914B1Package for foodstuff products
Publication Date: 2024.11.13 SOREMARTEC SA(BE)
  • EP3972914B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3972914B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Described herein is a package (10) for a foodstuff product, in particular a confectionery product, comprising: - an outer wrapper (2) that envelops said product (P) completely so as to define a closed chamber (C) containing said product; and - a support (4), set on which is said product (P), which is housed within said closed chamber (C) together with said product (P). The package is characterised in that said support (4) comprises a base (4I) on which said product rests, and lateral walls (4II, 4III, 4IV, 4V) that surround said product, wherein said lateral walls include a pair of lateral walls (4II, 4IV) that are set in positions opposed to one another with respect to said product (P) and have a height such as to project above said product (P).