Printed Food Packaging Curing to Prevent Ink Particle Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging technologies face challenges in reducing the transfer of ink particles from the outside layer to the inside layer of packaging material without compromising cost efficiency and versatility, particularly in roll-fed packaging machines.

Innovation Solution

A method and packaging machine that utilize a curing device, such as a UV lamp, electron beam device, or LED device, to bind ink particles to the inside layer of the packaging material, preventing them from transferring to the food product, while also reducing microorganisms, using a light barrier layer to allow specific wavelengths of light for curing and sterilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a cover layer is provided on top of the print to prevent ink particle transfer, then food safety is improved, but packaging material complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefood safetyVSAvoidpackaging material complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical barrier approach (cover layer) with a chemical/biological approach (curing process). By using UV light, electron beams, or other energy forms to cure the packaging material and ink, the ink particles are bonded to the outside layer, preventing transfer without requiring an additional cover layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the state of the packaging material and ink through curing. By applying energy (UV light, electron beams, heat) to alter the chemical and physical properties of the materials, the ink becomes permanently fixed to the outside layer, eliminating the need for a cover layer while ensuring food safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If printing is done before rolling up packaging material on reel, then production efficiency is improved, but ink particle transfer risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidink particle transfer risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs the printing operation in advance during the converting factory process, before the packaging material is rolled up and transported to the packaging machine. This preliminary action maintains production efficiency while the subsequent curing process ensures ink particles are fixed and cannot transfer during handling or filling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical prevention methods (such as careful handling procedures or protective layers) with a curing process that chemically/biologically fixes the ink particles. This substitution allows printing to be done early in the process while eliminating transfer risks through the curing action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If food graded inks are used to ensure safety, then consumer safety is improved, but ink particle transfer to inside layer cannot be completely prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsumer safetyVSAvoidink particle transfer

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the state of the ink and packaging material through curing. By applying energy to alter the chemical and physical properties, the ink particles are permanently bonded to the outside layer. This prevents transfer to the inside layer regardless of ink type, while food graded inks ensure that any potential transfer would be safe.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent acknowledges that ink particle transfer during handling is difficult to prevent completely, but converts this potential harm into a benefit by using food graded inks that are safe even if transferred. The curing process further ensures that transfer is minimized, making the situation beneficial rather than harmful.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 approach effectively prevents ink particles from reaching the food product, enhances cost efficiency by eliminating the need for additional layers, and maintains machine versatility, while ensuring food safety and quality.

Implementation Method 1

curing the inside layer of the at least one piece of packaging material such that ink particles, released from the outside layer to the inside layer, are bound to the inside layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCuring: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

an electron beam device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectron beam: Electron Beam

Implementation Method 3

using a light barrier layer to allow specific wavelengths of light for curing and sterilization

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Data Source

PatentUS12486067B2Method for packaging a food product and a packaging machine

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE SA

AI summary

A method for packaging a food product is provided. The method can comprise receiving at least one piece of packaging material (PM) in a packaging machine, said packaging material (PM) comprising a cellulose-based mid-layer, an inside layer arranged to face the food product (FP), and an outside layer, wherein an ink-based print is provided on the outside layer, curing the inside layer of the at least one piece of packaging material (PM) such that ink particles, released from the outside layer to the inside layer, are bound to the inside layer, thereby preventing the ink particles from being released into the food product (FP), forming the at least one piece of packaging material (PM) into packages, and filling the packages with the food product (FP).