Frangible Closure Zone for Controlled Agent Release in Food Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and weight of rigid trays used in food packaging lead to increased shipping, storage, and waste management costs, as well as environmental concerns, while there is a need for reduced packaging waste and enhanced product safety and aroma delivery.
Innovation Solution
A package design featuring top and bottom opposing chamber films with a frangible closure zone, allowing an agent in a hollow frame to be released into the chamber portion, which can contain food products, using thermoplastic polymer materials and a modified atmosphere to enhance safety and aroma.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid trays are used to contain food products, then product containment and structural support are improved, but packaging cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid trays with flexible chamber films that form a chamber portion to contain the food product. The chamber films are sealed to a hollow frame, creating a flexible packaging structure that provides adequate containment and support while significantly reducing packaging weight compared to traditional rigid trays.
2Reliability
If rigid trays are used for packaging, then product containment is improved, but shipping and storage costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible chamber films provide reliable product containment through sealing to the hollow frame structure, while the reduced weight and volume of the flexible packaging compared to rigid trays lowers shipping and storage costs and energy consumption.
3Strength
If rigid trays are used, then structural support is provided, but waste management costs and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible chamber films create a packaging structure that provides necessary structural support for containing food products while using minimal material. This reduces packaging waste volume and makes waste management more efficient, thereby reducing environmental impact compared to rigid tray packaging.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a frangible closure zone is used instead of hermetic sealing, then agent release capability is improved, but package integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The package structure segments the sealing function into two distinct zones: a frangible chamber closure zone that allows controlled agent release, and a hermetic frame seal that maintains overall package integrity. The chamber films are sealed to the hollow frame at the frame seal, creating a durable connection that preserves package integrity while the frangible zone enables agent release when needed.
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 design reduces packaging costs and waste, while ensuring product safety and aroma delivery by allowing controlled release of agents like biocides and organoleptic substances into the food chamber, thereby extending shelf life and improving consumer experience.
Implementation Method 1
the frangible layer comprises a frangible blend, the seal layer is adhered to the other film of the top and bottom chamber films within the frangible chamber closure zone. In an embodiment, the frangible blend has a release strength of 0.058 to 0.309 N/mm.
Implementation Method 2
the chamber portion contains a product and the chamber portion includes a modified atmosphere around the product.
Data Source
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AI summary
A package (10) includes a chamber portion (12), a hollow frame (14) adjacent to the chamber portion, and a frangible chamber closure zone (22) between the chamber portion and the frame. A method of releasing at least one agent into a chamber portion (12) of a package includes rupturing a frangible closure (22) between the chamber portion (12) and a hollow frame (14) to release the at least one agent contained in the hollow frame into the chamber portion. A process of packaging includes providing a base web; placing a product (16) on the base web (40); positioning over the product a lid web (38); fixing the lid web to the base web to form a chamber portion (12) enclosing the product; fixing the lid web (38) to the base web (40) to form a hollow frame (14) adjacent to the chamber portion (12); and including an agent in the frame (14).