Dough Packaging Separator Flexing to Seal Compartments

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging methods for dough products, such as cans with separate cup assemblies or pouches, face challenges in managing increased internal pressure due to dough proofing and expansion, leading to potential pouch bursting and increased packaging costs.

Innovation Solution

A tubular container with a separator divides the internal cavity into two compartments, allowing the dough to expand and increase pressure in one compartment while keeping the additional ingredient compartment at atmospheric pressure, using a spirally wound paperboard tube with a domed separator that engages the inner surface to prevent further shifting and seal the dough compartment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate cup assemblies or pouches are used to store additional ingredients in a can format, then the additional ingredients can be separated from the dough, but the packaging costs increase due to increased raw material costs and packaging complexities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation of additional ingredients from doughVSAvoidpackaging complexities

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The separator integrates the functions of compartmentalization and structural support into a single component. The separator divides the can into dough and ingredient compartments while also providing structural reinforcement to withstand proofing pressures, eliminating the need for separate cup assemblies or reinforced pouches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The separator serves multiple functions simultaneously: it separates the dough and ingredient compartments, provides structural support to resist internal pressure during proofing, and maintains the integrity of the ingredient storage area. This multi-functional design reduces packaging complexity compared to using separate cup assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Stress or pressure

If the can is designed to release building pressure or the cup/pouch is constructed to withstand increased pressure, then the pressure issue during dough proofing can be addressed, but the additional ingredients' pouch may still burst within the can

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinternal pressure managementVSAvoidpouch integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The can is divided into two pressure zones by the separator: the dough compartment where pressure builds during proofing, and the ingredient compartment that remains at atmospheric pressure. This segmentation protects the ingredient pouch from pressure-related damage while allowing the dough to proof normally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The separator acts as an intermediary barrier between the dough and ingredient compartments. It transmits and distributes the proofing pressure around the dough compartment while preventing this pressure from transmitting to the ingredient pouch, thereby protecting the pouch from bursting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Volume of moving object

If the separator is designed to allow dough expansion, then the dough can proof and expand within the package, but the relative volume of separate regions varies and internal pressures alter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedough expansion volumeVSAvoidinternal pressure variation

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The separator is designed with flexible characteristics that allow it to dynamically adapt to dough expansion during proofing. The separator can deform and shift to accommodate the increasing volume of the dough while maintaining the structural integrity of both compartments and managing pressure distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This design prevents pouch bursting and reduces packaging costs by maintaining safe pressure levels in the ingredient compartment and allowing for a more compact container without sacrificing dough volume, offering a cost-effective solution for packaging dough products with additional ingredients.

Implementation Method 1

the dough product proofs and expands within the package so as to vary the relative volume of the separate regions and alter internal pressures within the tubular container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectProofing and expansion: Fermentation

Implementation Method 2

the separator is specifically sized and configured to enable not only the initial shifting but to also expand in diameter such that, subsequent to the shifting, an outer annular wall of the separator is forced against an inner surface of the tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure-induced deformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS9828138B2Dough product and method of packaging

Publication Date: 2017.11.28 GENERAL MILLS INC

AI summary

A canned dough product includes at least one dough product loaded in a lower compartment of a container and at least one additional ingredient provided in an upper compartment, with the upper and lower compartments being spaced by a separator. The dough expands upon proofing in the container, causing the separator to shift and vary the volumes of the compartments. The expanding dough abuts a central region of the separator, causing the separator to flex, engage an inner surface of the container and become fixed in the container, while the lower compartment becomes fluidly sealed from the upper compartment and different pressures are established in the compartments.