Fresh Product Packaging Simultaneous Absorbent Base Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging methods for fresh products, such as ground meat and sausages, require separate steps for introducing absorbent bases, leading to hygiene issues and inefficiencies due to the need for storing and handling multiple tray sizes and absorbent base combinations, resulting in higher costs and storage requirements.

Innovation Solution

A method where the fresh product is introduced into a container simultaneously with an absorbent base in a single step, eliminating the need for separate storage and handling of absorbent bases, and optionally using an intermediate layer to prevent drying and improve product removal, allowing for flexible absorbent base selection and reduced material usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If absorbent bases are introduced into trays in advance during separate production steps, then trays can be pre-prepared and stored, but hygiene problems occur due to contamination of surfaces in contact with food during stacking, storage, and transportation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetray preparationVSAvoidhygiene contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The process is segmented into two independent parts: tray production and absorbent base insertion. Trays are produced and stored separately without absorbent bases, then absorbent bases are inserted only when trays are ready for use. This segmentation eliminates the hygiene contamination problem that occurs when absorbent bases are introduced in advance during stacking and storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Trays are prepared in advance and stored ready for use, but the absorbent base insertion is postponed until the final moment before product packaging. This preliminary preparation of trays combined with delayed absorbent base insertion maintains hygiene while ensuring trays are ready for immediate use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If identical trays are stocked with different absorbent base inserts for different products, then product-specific absorbent bases can be used, but storage space requirements and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct-specific absorbent base selectionVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

A single tray design serves multiple product types by accepting different absorbent base inserts at the time of use. Instead of maintaining separate stocked trays for each product, the universal tray can be configured with the appropriate absorbent base when needed, eliminating the need for multiple tray inventories and reducing storage space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The tray system becomes dynamic rather than static. Instead of pre-configuring trays with specific absorbent bases for storage, the absorbent base selection is delayed until the moment of use, allowing flexible adaptation to different products without committing to fixed configurations that would require multiple tray stockpiles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If absorbent bases are introduced into trays in advance, then production steps are simplified, but the risk of mix-up and higher unit costs occur due to lower quantities required for each tray type

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidabsorbent base quantity per product type

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Trays are prepared in advance for efficient storage and handling, but the absorbent base insertion is performed as a preliminary action immediately before product packaging. This timing optimization maintains production efficiency while allowing bulk purchasing of absorbent bases for each product type without the risk of mix-up, since insertion occurs right before use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 enhances hygiene, reduces storage and handling complexities, and allows for cost-effective production and storage by enabling the use of absorbent bases tailored to specific products, while minimizing the risk of contamination and optimizing absorbent base usage.

Implementation Method 1

moisture-absorbing absorbent bases, e.g. so-called nonwoven materials, are placed into the packaging so that excess moisture is bound

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

an intermediate layer can be arranged between the absorbent base and the fresh product... the product can be prevented from drying out due to being in direct contact with the absorbent base

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical barrier:

Data Source

PatentUS12116153B2Method and device for packaging fresh products

Publication Date: 2024.10.15 ALBERT HANDTMANN MASCHFABRICK

AI summary

A method and a device for packaging fresh products, in particular meat and sausage products, where the fresh product is introduced into a container simultaneously with an absorbent base.