Beverage Container Packaging With Deformable Fiber Trays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging materials for beverage containers, such as wine, beer, and spirits bottles, fail to effectively absorb impact energy and prevent damage during transit, particularly when subjected to large or multiple impacts.
Innovation Solution
A beverage container packaging assembly comprising a bottom tray with cup-shaped elements, a center support, and a top tray, all made from molded paper pulp or corrugated cardboard, which include deformable features to absorb impact and maintain the bottles in a stable position during shipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional packaging materials (bubble wrap, Styrofoam, popcorn) are used, then bottles can be secured for transit, but they fail to effectively absorb impact energy from large or multiple impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the packaging material by using molded fiber with specific density, elasticity, and structural geometry (cells, chambers, varying wall thicknesses) to optimize impact energy absorption. This transforms the packaging from rigid or loosely compressible materials into a structurally engineered system that dissipates impact energy through controlled deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite structures within the molded fiber packaging, combining different densities, material compositions, and structural elements (cells, chambers, walls) in a single integrated component. This composite approach creates zones of varying stiffness and energy absorption characteristics throughout the packaging structure.
2Loss of energy
If molded paper pulp trays with ring-shaped crushable elements are used, then some impact absorption is achieved, but they are ineffective against large or multiple large impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging structure is segmented into multiple functional zones including cells, chambers, and wall sections with different geometries and material properties. This segmentation allows different portions of the packaging to absorb impact energy through various mechanisms simultaneously, distributing the stress and preventing single-point failure under large or repeated impacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The molded fiber packaging is designed to dynamically respond to impact forces through controlled deformation of its cellular and chamber structures. The packaging transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic energy-absorbing system that deforms elastically and plastically to dissipate impact energy while maintaining bottle protection.
3Ease of operation
If multiple packaging components (bottom tray, top tray, cardboard inserts) are used to secure bottles, then bottles are well-supported, but the packaging complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate packaging components (bottom tray, top tray, center dividers, and cushioning elements) into a single molded fiber structure. This integrated design maintains all the support and positioning functions of the separate components while eliminating the need for assembly and reducing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The molded fiber packaging structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it cushions bottles from impact, positions and secures them in specific orientations, provides structural rigidity, and absorbs vibration. This multi-functional design replaces several specialized components with a single versatile structure.
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
The packaging assembly provides improved impact energy absorption, reduces damage to bottles, and is cost-effective compared to traditional solutions, capable of withstanding multiple drops and handling various shipping loads.
Implementation Method 1
deformable elements configured to absorb a load applied to a beverage container housed in the cup-shaped element
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage container packaging assembly is disclosed. The beverage container packaging assembly includes a bottom tray, center support, and a top tray. The bottom tray includes a plurality of cup-shaped elements each configured to accommodate a bottom portion of a beverage container. Each cup-shaped element includes at least a first deformable element comprising one or more wide portions and one or more thin portions. The center support is disposed between the bottom tray and the top tray. The top tray includes bottle neck accommodating spaces each bounded by a set of vertical posts.