Integrally Formed Handle Package Pleat Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disposable absorbent article packages with separate handles are cumbersome, aesthetically unpleasing, and increase manufacturing complexity and cost, as they can become wrinkled or obstruct access to the package contents.
Innovation Solution
An integrally formed handle is created within the package structure using a pleat that interconnects between the end portions of the panels, with seams joining the panels and pleat to form a continuous, durable, and accessible handle aperture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate handle is attached to the package, then the package can be carried, but the handle hinders access to the interior and becomes wrinkled or folded during shipping
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is merged with the package body by forming it as an integral portion of the molded package structure. The handle shares the same material and manufacturing process as the package, eliminating separate attachment and preventing wrinkles or folds that occur with separate handles during shipping and handling.
2Ease of operation
If a separate handle is attached to the package, then the package can be carried, but it adds cost and complexity to the manufacturing process
Solution Approach 1:
The handle and package are combined into a single molded component produced in one manufacturing cycle. This eliminates separate handling, attachment operations, and quality checks for separate parts, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining carry functionality.
3Ease of operation
If a separate handle is attached to the package, then the package can be carried, but the handle may not appear to be durable and becomes wrinkled or folded
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is formed as an integral molded portion of the package, sharing the same material properties and surface characteristics. This ensures the handle maintains a smooth, wrinkle-free appearance consistent with the rest of the package throughout shipping and handling, eliminating the aesthetic issues of separate attached handles.
4Stability of the object's composition
If panels are joined with seams to form the package, then the package structure is complete, but access to the interior may be hindered by an attached handle
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is extracted from the package opening area and positioned on the opposite side or top surface of the package. This spatial separation allows the handle to provide carry functionality without obstructing access to the interior through the panel openings, resolving the conflict between structural integrity and ease of access.
Data Source
AI summary
A package includes a first panel and a second panel, wherein each of the first and second panels defines a right side edge portion, a left side edge portion, a first end portion, and a second end portion. The package includes a pleat that interconnects between the first end portions of the first and second panels. The pleat defines a right side edge portion and a left side edge portion and includes a handle aperture forming a handle. A first seam joins the right side edge portions of the first panel, the second panel, and the pleat and a second seam joins the left side edge portions of the first panel, the second panel, and the pleat. A third seam joins the second end portion of the first panel with the second end portion of the second panel. The first panel, the second panel, and the pleat are integrally formed.