Flexible Package Panels with Reinforcing Lines for Flat Graphics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible packages prone to wrinkling compromise the appearance of external graphics, such as branding and images, due to their inherent material properties.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating reinforcing lines on the exterior or interior of flexible package panels, which are continuous and straight or non-linear, increases stiffness and controls the shape of the material, reducing buckling and wrinkling while maintaining a smooth appearance for graphics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If flexible materials are used for packages, then adaptability and ease of manufacture are improved, but the package becomes prone to wrinkling and buckling which compromises appearance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of package materialVSAvoidflatness of package panel

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The package panel is segmented by incorporating reinforcing lines that divide the flexible material into distinct zones. These lines create a segmented structure where the flexible material is divided into panels separated by reinforcing elements, allowing each segment to maintain its flexibility while the overall structure gains rigidity and resistance to wrinkling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The package employs a composite structure combining flexible material with reinforcing lines. This composite approach integrates two different material characteristics: the flexibility of the base material and the rigidity of the reinforcing lines, creating a unified structure that exhibits both adaptability and shape stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Shape

If reinforcing lines are added to reduce wrinkling, then flatness and appearance are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflatness of package panelVSAvoidstructural complexity of package

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than uniformly reinforcing the entire package structure, the reinforcing lines are strategically placed in specific locations where they are most needed to prevent wrinkling and maintain flatness. This local application of reinforcement reduces the overall complexity compared to uniform reinforcement while achieving the desired appearance improvement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If thicker flexible materials are used to reduce wrinkling, then strength and flatness are improved, but weight and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to buckling of materialVSAvoidweight of package material

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The package structure is segmented by incorporating reinforcing lines that divide the flexible material into distinct zones. These lines create a segmented structure where the flexible material is divided into panels separated by reinforcing elements, allowing each segment to maintain its flexibility while the overall structure gains rigidity and resistance to wrinkling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS11299333B2Flexible packages with flat panels

Publication Date: 2022.04.12 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

Flexible packages with reinforcing lines and flat panels.