Disposable Flexible Containers With Structural Support Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rigid containers for fluent products are expensive to produce, require significant materials, are difficult to decorate, prone to damage, and challenging to dispense from, especially for users with limited hand strength.
Innovation Solution
Disposable flexible containers made from flexible materials with structural support frames that generate and maintain tension, allowing for easier production, reduced material usage, enhanced decoration capabilities, improved durability, and controlled dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid containers are used for fluent products, then structural integrity is improved, but production cost increases and material usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible material containers with structural support frames instead of rigid containers. The flexible material panels combined with support frames provide sufficient structural integrity while using less material and reducing production costs associated with rigid container manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction combining flexible materials with structural support frames. This composite approach maintains the necessary strength and structural integrity while reducing overall material usage and production complexity compared to solid rigid containers
2Strength
If rigid containers are used for fluent products, then structural integrity is improved, but material usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible material panels used in the container require significantly less material than rigid container walls while providing adequate structural integrity when combined with support frames, thereby reducing material consumption and waste
Solution Approach 2:
The container structure is segmented into flexible panels and separate structural support frames. This segmentation allows the flexible material to be used only where barrier function is needed, while structural support is provided by the frame, reducing overall material usage
3Strength
If rigid containers are used for fluent products, then structural integrity is improved, but ease of decoration worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible material panels provide smooth, continuous surfaces that are easier to decorate compared to rigid containers. The flexibility of the material allows for better application of labels, printing, and decorative elements while maintaining structural integrity through the support frames
4Strength
If rigid containers are used for fluent products, then structural integrity is improved, but damage resistance worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible material panels can deform under impact forces and then return to their original shape, providing damage resistance through flexibility rather than rigidity. This reduces the likelihood of permanent damage from drops or impacts compared to rigid containers
5Strength
If rigid containers are used for fluent products, then structural integrity is improved, but dispensing ease worsens for users with limited hand strength
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible material panels can be easily compressed and deformed by hand, allowing users with limited hand strength to easily squeeze and dispense products. The flexibility of the material reduces the force required for dispensing compared to rigid containers
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 flexible containers are cost-effective, use less material, easier to decorate, less prone to damage, and allow for controlled and efficient dispensing of fluent products, meeting structural integrity and user accessibility needs.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more structural support volumes comprise a structural support frame configured to prevent the container from collapsing and, more preferably, arranged to generate and maintain tension in the nonstructural panel when expanded
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A disposable flexible container (1500) for a fluent product comprises a product volume (1550) for the fluent product at least partially defined by a nonstructural panel (1580-1) having one or more flat spaces and one or more structural support volumes (1544-1,1546-1,1548-1,1546-2). The disposable flexible container also includes one or more surface elements (1547a) generally projecting outwardly in relation to the one or more flat spaces on the nonstructural panel (1580-1). Preferably, the one or more structural support volumes comprise a structural support frame configured to prevent the container from collapsing and, more preferably, they are arranged to generate and maintain tension in the nonstructural panel when they are expanded.