Foldable Package Housing Using Lug-Defined Article Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging solutions for individually wrapped articles, such as chewing gum, fail to provide a foldable, reconfigurable, and aesthetically appealing package that is convenient for consumers, while maintaining product freshness and allowing for space for branding and graphics, and are not efficiently manufactured on a large scale.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for forming a foldable package using a conveyor device with lugs that separate sets of individually wrapped articles, allowing for high-speed continuous production, where a sheet of packaging material is positioned over the articles and adhered to form a bi-fold or multi-fold design, enabling easy access and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If individually wrapped articles are packaged in a traditional rigid box, then product protection and freshness are maintained, but the package size cannot be reduced after partial consumption and portability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The package is divided into multiple compartments or sections that can be independently accessed. The foldable package structure allows consumers to open only the necessary portion while leaving the rest closed and compact, enabling the package to reduce in size after partial consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The package transitions from a rigid, fixed-structure box to a dynamic foldable structure with movable panels and flaps. This allows the package to be reconfigured into different shapes and sizes based on consumption needs, improving portability and adaptability.
2Loss of substance
If packaging material is minimized to reduce waste and cost, then environmental friendliness and efficiency improve, but product protection and aesthetic display capabilities are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a foldable package made from flexible packaging material that can be collapsed when not in use. This thin-film structure provides adequate product protection while minimizing material usage and allowing the package to be stored in a compact form after partial consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging material is constructed as a composite structure with multiple layers providing different functions: an outer decorative layer for aesthetic display, a middle barrier layer for product protection and freshness, and an inner sealing layer for containment. This composite approach maintains protection capabilities while optimizing material efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If a foldable package structure is implemented to improve portability, then ease of carrying and storage are enhanced, but manufacturing complexity and precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The foldable package structure is pre-assembled and pre-aligned during the packaging process. The panels, flaps, and connecting elements are positioned and secured in their correct relative positions before the package is filled and sealed, eliminating the need for complex real-time alignment during manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
Connecting elements such as hinges, adhesives, or interlocking features act as intermediaries between the different panels and flaps of the foldable package. These intermediaries facilitate precise alignment and secure connection during assembly while maintaining the flexibility needed for folding and reconfiguration.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for forming a foldable package is provided. The system includes a first conveyor device includes at least one lug that defines a first slot and a second slot on opposing sides of the lug. The first slot is sized to receive a first set of individually wrapped articles and the second slot is sized to receive a second set of individually wrapped articles. The first conveyor device is configured to advance the individually wrapped articles towards a loading station. The system further includes a feeder device configured to position a sheet of packaging material over the individually wrapped articles at the loading station. The sheet of packaging material is for coupling to the individually wrapped articles. Moreover, the lug has a width such that a predefined distance is defined between the first and second sets of individually wrapped articles when coupled to the sheet of packaging material.