Flexible Stackable Container Corner Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging solutions, such as vertical form, fill, and seal (VFFS) packages, are not stackable due to lack of rigidity, do not retain shape after opening, and are often costly, non-recyclable, and inefficient in terms of space usage and shipping costs, with round containers being particularly problematic.
Innovation Solution
A flexible, stackable container made from a sealed bag or package formed from a flexible film with a reclosable lid or flap, allowing for easy opening and resealing, and potentially incorporating degradable materials to reduce waste and environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid composite packages are used to achieve stackability and shape retention, then the container can be stacked and retain shape after opening, but the material cost increases and recyclability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible pouch constructed from thin film layers that can be sealed at the corners to create a rigid-like structure. This flexible shell approach allows the container to maintain its shape and be stackable while using less expensive, more recyclable materials compared to rigid composite packages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite film structures with multiple layers (such as metallized film or multi-layer polymers) that provide both flexibility and structural integrity. These composite materials enable the flexible pouch to achieve rigidity for stacking purposes while remaining manufacturable and potentially recyclable.
2Ease of manufacture
If round containers are used, then the container is easy to manufacture, but shelf space efficiency decreases and shipping costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from round containers to rectangular or square-shaped flexible pouches. This asymmetric, angular shape allows for more efficient packing on shelves and in shipping containers, maximizing space utilization while maintaining ease of manufacture through standard forming processes.
3Ease of manufacture
If flexible packaging is used, then material cost and waste are reduced, but the package is not rigid enough to allow stacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses corner-sealed flexible pouches where the sealing of adjacent sides at the corners creates a rigid-like structure. This technique allows the flexible packaging to maintain its shape and support stacking while using cost-effective flexible materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs corner sealing that creates angular geometry in the flexible pouch. By sealing adjacent sides at the corners, the package develops a rigid-like structure with defined edges and corners, enabling stacking capability while maintaining flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
4Productivity
If VFFS packaging is used, then the packaging process is efficient, but the filled package does not retain shape after opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible pouch with corner seals that creates a rigid-like structure. This design allows the package to maintain its shape even after opening, unlike traditional VFFS packages, while still being produced through efficient automated packaging processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible, stackable container for storing a quantity of a product may include a sealed package formed from a single sheet of film and retaining the quantity of the product disposed therein, and a lid fitment attached to a first side of the package. The first side of the package may have an outer first surface of the film and outwardly extending first corner seals formed in the film at the edges of the first side and surrounding the first side of the package. The package may also have a second side disposed opposite the first side and outwardly extending second corner seals formed in the film at the edges of the second side and surrounding the second side of the package.