Flexible Stackable Container With Rigid Insert

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging solutions for food items and other products face challenges such as non-rigidity leading to stacking issues, lack of recyclability, increased material costs, inefficient shipping due to irregular shapes, and environmental impact due to non-biodegradable materials.

Innovation Solution

A flexible, stackable container made from a sealed bag or package formed from a flexible film with a recloseable fitment or lid, allowing for easy opening and resealing, and potentially biodegradable materials, designed to be more efficiently packed and transported while minimizing waste.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a flexible film package is used, then material costs are reduced and recyclability is improved, but the package lacks rigidity and cannot be stacked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial costVSAvoidrigidity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining a flexible film package with a rigid insert structure. The insert is formed from a rigid material and positioned within the flexible package to provide structural support and stacking capability, while the flexible film maintains its cost and recyclability advantages. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating materials with complementary properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the packaging system into two functional components: a flexible film package that provides containment and recyclability, and a separate rigid insert that provides structural support for stacking. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and rigidity requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If a rigid composite package is used, then stacking capability is achieved, but material costs increase and recyclability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestacking capabilityVSAvoidmaterial cost

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the packaging system into a flexible film package and a rigid insert, allowing the rigid component to be used only where structurally necessary for stacking, rather than making the entire package rigid. This reduces overall material costs and maintains recyclability of the flexible film portion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a flexible film package as the primary containment structure, which is cost-effective and recyclable, and combines it with a minimal rigid insert only when stacking capability is required. This approach avoids the need for entirely rigid composite packages while still achieving necessary structural support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Strength

If a rigid package is used, then stacking and shape retention are improved, but environmental impact increases due to non-biodegradable materials

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshape retentionVSAvoidenvironmental impact

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible film package made from biodegradable or recyclable materials that can retain shape when needed and decompose environmentally when discarded. The flexible film is designed to meet both structural requirements for shape retention and environmental requirements for biodegradability or recyclability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials combining flexible biodegradable film with minimal rigid insert, where the flexible film component provides environmental benefits through biodegradability or recyclability, while the rigid insert provides only the necessary structural support for shape retention and stacking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Ease of manufacture

If round containers are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but shelf space efficiency and shipping efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidshelf space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an asymmetric rectangular container design that maximizes shelf space utilization and shipping efficiency. The rectangular geometry allows for tighter packing and better display characteristics compared to round containers, while the manufacturing process remains feasible through standard forming techniques for flexible packages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS8602242B2Flexible, stackable container used for storing a quantity of product and method for manufacturing same

Publication Date: 2013.12.10 PRIMAPAK LLC

AI summary

A flexible, stackable container for storing a quantity of a product includes a sealed package that is formed from a single sheet of film having oppositely disposed lateral edges. The package includes a first panel and outwardly extending corner seals that border more than two sides of the first panel, a second panel disposed opposite the first panel and having an end seal, and four lateral sides disposed between the first and second panels. The second panel is formed by tucking portions of the lateral sides proximate the lateral edges inwardly and sealing portions of the film proximate the lateral edges together to form an end seal, the end seal being folded over towards an outer surface of the package.