Flexible Packaging with Integrated Temperature Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging solutions do not effectively allow for real-time temperature monitoring of beverages, especially when multiple containers are packaged together, and they lack the ability to be conveniently assembled, reused, and integrated with electronic temperature measurement and display capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a printed electronics module into packaging materials, including a power source, temperature sensors, and a display, which can be laminated onto the packaging, allowing for real-time temperature measurement and display without the need for external power sources, and enabling the packaging to be assembled and reused.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature sensors and display components are integrated into the packaging, then real-time temperature monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functional components (temperature sensor, power source, display elements, and packaging structure) into a single unified system. The electronics module is incorporated directly into the packaging blank, eliminating the need for separate external monitoring devices and reducing overall system complexity despite adding functional capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical protection for beverages, integrates temperature monitoring, incorporates a power source, and includes display capabilities. This multi-functionality approach allows the packaging to replace several separate devices, improving measurement capability while managing complexity through functional integration.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the packaging includes an integrated power source, then energy independence is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power source is integrated directly into the packaging blank during manufacturing, combining the energy supply function with the structural packaging components. This integration allows the packaging to be produced as a single unit with embedded power capabilities, improving energy independence while managing manufacturing through unified production processes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the packaging is designed for repeated assembly and folding, then reusability is improved, but structural integrity may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging blank is pre-scored and pre-folded along specific lines during manufacturing, creating predetermined folding paths that maintain structural integrity during repeated assembly and disassembly. This preliminary preparation of the blank ensures that the packaging can be repeatedly assembled without compromising strength, as the fold lines are already established to distribute stress appropriately.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of forming packaging accommodates one or more products and packaging produced by the method. The method includes providing a planar packaging blank of foldable material and assembling it into packaging capable of accommodating at least one product. A flexible electronics module on the packaging blank has at least one temperature measurement device and a temperature display to measure and display the temperature of at least one of the products. The positioning of the flexible electronics module with respect to the packaging permits both to be folded together to form the assembled packaging. The packaging is foldable from a first unassembled state to a second assembled state to accommodate at least one product, and the electronics module is at least partly flexible to enable it to be folded with the packaging. The packaging may hold six beverage containers and might be considered to be a “six pack.”