Folded Paper Pouch for Automated Food Cooking Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Foil packaging for cooking lacks a defined and stable shape, making it difficult for industrial handling and mass production, as it cannot be easily positioned and sealed using automated systems.

Innovation Solution

A paper-based packaging system comprising a parallelepiped-shaped casing and cover made from folded, food-grade, oven-resistant paper, which can be easily deployed and sealed, allowing for continuous production and efficient handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional foil packaging is used for cooking, then the packaging is simple and economical, but it lacks a defined and stable shape making it difficult to handle with industrial means

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity and economy of packagingVSAvoidindustrial handling capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging is divided into separate components: a base formed from a first sheet and a lid formed from a second sheet. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with defined geometric shapes, enabling stable stacking and automated handling while maintaining manufacturing simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sheets are pre-formed into specific geometric configurations (base with side walls and lid with matching dimensions) before assembly. This preliminary shaping ensures that the packaging components have stable, defined forms that facilitate industrial handling and automated processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If foil packaging is used, then labor time for manual wrapping is reduced, but mass production requires constant and stable form packaging for automated dosage and depositing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemass production capabilityVSAvoidconstant and stable form
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

Dividing the packaging into separate base and lid components with defined geometric shapes enables both mass production through automated assembly and maintains constant, stable forms suitable for automated dosage and depositing operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging transitions from the flexible, variable shape of traditional foil to rigid geometric forms with constant dimensions. The base and lid are manufactured with specific shapes that maintain stability during automated handling while allowing efficient mass production

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If traditional foil wrapping is used, then the packaging can be easily closed by hand, but automated sealing requires packaging of constant and stable form

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual closing easeVSAvoidautomated sealing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The separation into base and lid components creates well-defined interfaces that can be easily sealed by hand while also being suitable for automated sealing mechanisms. The geometric precision of the segmented parts enables both manual and automated closing operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

The paper packaging system provides stable, geometric containers that can be precisely positioned and sealed, facilitating automated handling and cooking, while being economical and environmentally friendly, retaining flavors and nutrients during cooking.

Implementation Method 1

the means for maintaining the shaped casing comprise an air suction device producing a vacuum under the bottom of the casing to keep it flat

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentEP2050675B1Process for the preparation of a folded pouch for cooking food in paper wrap
Publication Date: 2011.03.23 TERRE DES LYS
  • EP2050675B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2050675B1 patent drawingFigure 2~9

AI summary

The method involves deploying flat preforms formed by folding a rectangular paper sheet (40) i.e. parchment paper, for obtaining parallelepiped boxes, where each box is opened on top, and comprises a flat bottom. The boxes are positioned on a conveyor. A clamp system descends on the boxes after the boxes are placed on the conveyor. The boxes are filled by a culinary preparation i.e. food, and are closed by a separate cover. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a folded pouch comprising a box (2) a package comprising a cover.