Expandable Infusion Packet Dynamics for Compact Packaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional three-dimensional infusion packets require more space for packaging due to their expanded state, limiting efficient storage and handling, while their flattened formats for packing are restricted to a limited number of configurations.
Innovation Solution
Development of expandable infusion packets that remain in a permanently compressed state until immersed in water, converting rapidly to a three-dimensional shape, allowing for efficient packaging and maintaining infusion performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If three-dimensional infusion packets are used to improve infusion performance, then the infusible material has more room to move, but the packets occupy larger volume and cannot be packaged efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The infusion packet employs a dynamic structure that transitions from a compressed flat state during packaging to an expanded three-dimensional state during use. The gusseted construction allows the packet to dynamically change its volume and shape, enabling efficient packaging while maintaining superior infusion performance when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The infusion packet can be nested in a compressed flat configuration within the packaging, similar to how smaller objects fit inside larger ones. When in use, the packet expands outward from this nested state, maximizing space efficiency during storage while providing full three-dimensional volume during the infusion process.
2Volume of stationary object
If flattened configuration is used to achieve compact packaging, then the packets can be packaged more efficiently, but the number of possible configurations is very limited
Solution Approach 1:
The packet is segmented into multiple gusseted panels that can be folded and configured in various ways. This segmentation allows the same packet structure to be flattened for packaging while maintaining the capability to expand into different three-dimensional configurations during use, thereby increasing configuration flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The packet structure utilizes changeable geometric parameters through its gusseted design. The same basic structure can be manufactured with different dimensions, gusset angles, and panel configurations, allowing versatility in both packaging formats and expanded states without requiring fundamentally different designs.
3Volume of stationary object
If conventional flat infusion packets are used, then the packets can be packaged efficiently, but the infusion performance is limited due to restricted movement of infusible material
Solution Approach 1:
The packet transitions from a static flat configuration during packaging to a dynamic three-dimensional expanded state during infusion. This dynamic transformation allows the packet to provide ample room for infusible material movement when needed, while maintaining compact packaging dimensions when stored.
Solution Approach 2:
The packet utilizes dimensional transformation by collapsing the three-dimensional structure into a two-dimensional flat configuration for packaging, then expanding back to three-dimensional form during use. This dimensionality change enables efficient packaging while preserving the volume necessary for superior infusion performance.
Data Source
Figure 1a~3c
Figure 4a~5b
Figure 6~8
AI summary
The present invention relates to an expandable infusion packet (1, 5), wherein the infusion packet is in a permanently compressed state in the absence of water and converts to an expanded state in the presence of water.