Flower Packaging System Using Perforated Foil Enclosure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for packaging and delivering fresh-cut flowers face challenges in maintaining their appearance and freshness during shipping and presentation, especially when using postal services, as they often result in damage and reduced visual appeal.

Innovation Solution

A system involving a transparent shell with a raised peripheral edge for the flowers, enclosed in a perforated transparent foil within a translucent shipping container, which allows visibility and controlled oxygen levels to maintain freshness and appearance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional packaging methods are used for postal delivery, then shipping cost is reduced, but the appearance and freshness of flowers deteriorate during shipping

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefreshness maintenanceVSAvoidpackaging structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging system is divided into multiple functional segments: an inner transparent shell with recesses for individual flower stems, a middle transparent enclosure formed from perforated foil, and an outer translucent shipping container. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity suitable for postal delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging employs a nested structure where the transparent shell containing flowers is placed inside the transparent enclosure, which in turn is inserted into the outer shipping container. This nesting approach maximizes space efficiency and maintains freshness without requiring excessive packaging material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If opaque packaging is used to protect flowers, then physical protection is improved, but visual appeal and presentation to recipient deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysical protectionVSAvoidvisibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging uses transparent and translucent materials with specific local properties: the inner shell is fully transparent to display flowers, the middle enclosure is transparent to maintain visibility while providing protection, and the outer container is translucent to balance protection with aesthetic presentation. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between protection and visibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If standard shipping containers are used, then shipping cost is reduced, but the ability to maintain controlled environment for flowers deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental controlVSAvoidpackaging production

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The middle enclosure is formed from a flexible perforated transparent foil that can be easily manufactured and assembled. This thin film structure provides environmental control by creating a sealed chamber while allowing for simple production processes and integration with standard shipping containers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging system combines multiple materials with complementary properties: transparent plastic for the inner shell, perforated transparent foil for the middle enclosure, and translucent material for the outer container. This composite approach achieves environmental control through material properties rather than complex manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This system effectively maintains the freshness and appearance of flowers during shipping and after delivery, making it suitable for cost-effective postal delivery while providing a visually appealing presentation to the recipient.

Implementation Method 1

The harvested plant is then placed in at least a first recess within a transparent shell comprising a raised peripheral edge that surrounds and defines the first recess

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 2

The shell and harvested plant are then placed in a transparent enclosure formed from a perforated transparent foil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 3

The transparent enclosure and the document are then inserted in a cavity within a shipping container that is at least translucent to enable the harvested plant and the document to be visible therethrough

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTranslucency:

Data Source

PatentUS8393468B2System for packaging flowers purchased on the internet

Publication Date: 2013.03.12 E-FLORA BV

AI summary

A method and system suitable for ordering, packaging, and delivering harvested plants, such as fresh-cut flowers. The method and method entail placing an order for harvested plants by selecting at least one plant varietal, identifying a recipient for the plant by name and address, indicating a date for the recipient to receive the plant, and optionally creating a message to be delivered with the plant to the recipient. The plant is then placed in at least one recess within a transparent shell comprising a raised peripheral edge that surrounds and defines the recess. The shell and plant are then placed in a transparent enclosure formed from a perforated transparent foil, and the enclosure and a shipping label are then inserted in a shipping container that is at least translucent to enable the plant and the label to be visible therethrough.