Flexible Stackable Container Shape Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging solutions, such as vertical form, fill, and seal (VFFS) bags, are not stackable and lose shape after opening, while rigid containers are costly, non-recyclable, and inefficient in terms of space and material usage, leading to increased shipping costs and environmental impact.

Innovation Solution

A flexible, stackable container made from a sealed bag of flexible film with a recloseable lid, formed using a VFFS packaging machine, which allows for efficient stacking, retains shape, and is recyclable, reducing material waste and shipping inefficiencies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering 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 production cost increases and recyclability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshape retentionVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible package formed from a sheet of flexible film material that can be sealed to create a rigid-looking structure. The flexible film is configured to maintain the container's shape when filled, eliminating the need for rigid composite materials while reducing production costs and improving recyclability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure by combining flexible film material with a recloseable fitment made from a different material. This composite approach allows the flexible package to gain rigidity and shape-retention capabilities from the fitment while maintaining the flexibility and recyclability of the film body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If round containers are used, then the container is easier to manufacture, but more shelf space is required and graphics display is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidshelf space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from round containers to substantially square or rectangular containers with flat sides. This asymmetric, angular shape allows for more efficient stacking and shelf space utilization while providing flat surfaces that enhance graphics display visibility, eliminating the need for consumers to rotate the container to read information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Strength

If non-recyclable rigid containers are used, then the container provides structural support, but environmental waste increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidenvironmental waste

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible film package that can be designed to provide adequate structural support for its intended use while being made from recyclable or biodegradable materials. This eliminates the need for non-recyclable rigid containers and reduces environmental waste from landfill.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Strength

If heavy non-flexible containers are used, then the container provides durability, but shipping costs and material waste increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidcontainer weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible film package that is significantly lighter than rigid non-flexible containers while providing sufficient durability for transporting and storing products. The flexible film is configured to protect the contents while reducing weight, thereby lowering shipping costs and minimizing material waste.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP2188189B1Flexible, stackable container and method and system for manufacturing same

Publication Date: 2017.05.03 PRIMAPAK LLC

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AI summary

A flexible, stackable container (10) for storing a quantity of a product may- include a sealed package formed from a single sheet (26) of film and retaining the quantity of the product disposed therein, and a lid fitment (14) attached to a first side (42) of the package. The first side of the package may have an outer first surface of the film and outwardly extending first corner seals (58,60) 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 (44) disposed opposite the first side and outwardly extending second corner seals (62,64) formed in the film at the edges of the second side and surrounding the second side of the package. The lid fitment may include a base having a central opening and a lid (18) having a complimentary shape to the base to form a seal therebetween when the lid is closed down onto the base. The base may be sealed to one of the first surface of the first side, to the first corner seals surrounding the first side, or to both, such that a portion of the first surface is accessible from the exterior of the container when the lid is separated from the base of the lid fitment.