Food Packaging Illumination Nested in the Outer Case for Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging assemblies for food items lack enhancements in performance and cost-effectiveness, necessitating improved designs that integrate illumination features for better visibility and messaging capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A packaging assembly with an illuminator containing light sources that activate upon removal from an outer case, allowing light to pass through transparent or semi-transparent foodstuff containers, enabling edible messages and improved visibility of contents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If packaging assemblies use traditional non-illuminated designs, then manufacturing cost is reduced and device complexity is minimized, but visibility of food items and messaging capabilities are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The illuminator is nested within the outer case portion of the packaging assembly. The light source, circuitry, and switch components are integrated into the outer case structure, which contains and protects them while enabling illumination of the foodstuff item container when activated.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer case portion serves multiple functions: it protects the foodstuff item container during transport, houses the illuminator components (light source, circuitry, switch), and provides structural support for the overall packaging assembly.
2Illumination intensity
If packaging assemblies incorporate illuminators with light sources, circuitry, and switches, then visibility and messaging capabilities are enhanced, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The switch components are merged between the outer case portion and the foodstuff-containing packaging portion. The first switch portion is connected to the outer case while the second switch portion is connected to the inner packaging portion, combining the switching function across component boundaries and simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Illumination intensity
If light sources are activated during storage in the outer case, then visibility is improved, but energy is wasted when illumination is not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system transitions from a static always-on state to a dynamic controlled state. The switch mechanism enables the light source to be activated only when needed (when the packaging is removed from the outer case or when the user presses the switch), adapting the illumination state to the actual usage context and reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
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
Enhances visibility and allows for edible messaging by illuminating food items, providing a more engaging and interactive packaging experience.
Implementation Method 1
an illuminator having one or more light sources that is configured to produce light for illuminating the at least one foodstuff item container
Data Source
AI summary
A packaging subassembly for containing at least one foodstuff item. The packaging subassembly includes at least one foodstuff item container and foodstuff-containing packaging portion. The foodstuff-containing packaging portion supports the at least one foodstuff item container. The foodstuff-containing packaging portion includes an illuminator having one or more light sources that is configured to produce light for illuminating the at least one foodstuff item container. A packaging assembly is also disclosed. A method is also disclosed.