Crushable Pack with Non-Return Flap for Controlled Juice Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging solutions for fresh fruits and solid products like biscuits are messy and inefficient, as they often result in unpredictable juice direction and residue, and do not effectively prevent removal of the product during use.
Innovation Solution
A crushable pack with interconnected side panels and a non-return end closure mechanism, featuring hingedly connected end flaps that allow product insertion while preventing removal, and a compressible design for juice extraction, made from fluid-tight materials with optional dispensing orifices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional open packaging solution is used for fruit or solid products, then the product is easily accessible and can be inserted, but the product cannot be prevented from removal and causes mess and residue
Solution Approach 1:
The end closure flap is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed - it can hinge inward to allow product insertion, then resiliently returns to a closed position to prevent removal. This dynamic behavior enables the single structure to provide both easy insertion and effective prevention of removal without requiring separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure mechanism is self-actuating through its resilient properties. After the product is inserted and the flap is pushed inward, the flap automatically returns to its closed position without requiring user intervention. This self-service mechanism prevents product removal while maintaining ease of operation during insertion.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the pack is made rigid to maintain structure, then the pack maintains its shape and volume, but the pack cannot be compressed for juice extraction
Solution Approach 1:
The pack is constructed from flexible material that can be compressed to extract juice from the contained product. The flexible nature of the material allows the pack to be squeezed and deformed during juice extraction, then return to its original shape, enabling efficient productivity while maintaining structural integrity throughout the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The pack transitions from a stable, maintained-volume state during storage and insertion to a dynamically compressed state during juice extraction. The flexible material allows this dynamic transformation, enabling the pack to serve both structural stability and juice extraction functions at different operational stages.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the end flap is made large enough to prevent product removal, then product escape is prevented, but the flap cannot hinge into the volume for product insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The end closure flap utilizes resilient properties to dynamically change its position and effective size. During insertion, the flap can be pushed inward beyond its normal closed position to accommodate the product. After insertion, the flap resiliently returns to its closed position where its full dimensions effectively prevent product removal. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between size and operability.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient nature of the flap provides a cushioning effect that allows temporary deformation during product insertion. The flap can be pushed inward against its resilient force to accommodate the product, then automatically returns to its closed position, providing beforehand cushioning that enables insertion while maintaining prevention of removal.
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 cleaner and more hygienic extraction and dispensing of juice from fruits and solids, preventing product escape and allowing for controlled juice direction, suitable for kitchens and bars.
Implementation Method 1
the end flap being hingable in one direction into said volume to allow said insertion of said product and being prevented from hinging in the other direction without distortion out of said volume
Implementation Method 2
the pack is compressible to reduce said volume in use of the pack
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a pack which has interconnected side panels (11), (12) defining a volume for receiving a product (25). The pack has an opening at one end which is at least partially closed with a non-return end closure mechanism in the form of a flap (17). The product (25) can be pushed past the flap into said volume, but cannot be removed without distorting the flap (17).