Integrated Handle Closure Device for Food Packaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging devices for food products face challenges in easy manipulation and transportation due to the need for additional handles, which increase manufacturing costs, weight, and storage constraints.

Innovation Solution

A closure device with an integrated handle and securing means, made from the same material as the cap, facilitates gripping and handling while reducing manufacturing costs and weight by using a film that can be cut and stretched for multiple applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If an additional handle is added to the pot for easy handling and transportation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of handlingVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the handle directly into the closure cap structure, merging two previously separate components (handle and cap) into a single unified structure. This eliminates the need for additional attachment steps and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining ease of handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The closure cap serves multiple functions: it seals the pot and simultaneously provides a handle for carrying. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device structure while improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If an additional handle is added to the pot for easy handling, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of handlingVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the handle and cap into a single integrated component, the patent eliminates separate manufacturing and assembly steps for attaching a handle. This reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the ease of handling benefit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated handle-cap structure is self-contained and requires no additional attachment processes. The handle is inherently part of the cap structure, eliminating the need for separate fastening operations and reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If the pot is made with an integrated handle during a single injection operation, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the material consumption and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing processVSAvoidpot weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the handle-cap assembly from the pot body, allowing each component to be optimized independently. The cap with integrated handle can be made from lightweight materials or thin-walled construction, reducing overall weight while maintaining ease of manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cap structure, including the integrated handle, can be designed with thin-walled construction or flexible material usage, reducing material consumption and weight while maintaining structural integrity and ease of manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Ease of operation

If a handle is added to the pot, then the ease of operation is improved, but the storage and transport capacity is reduced due to increased lateral extension

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of handlingVSAvoidstorage capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is nested within or integrated into the cap structure rather than extending outward from the pot body. This allows the handle to occupy space that would otherwise be part of the cap volume, minimizing the increase in lateral extension and preserving storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of extending the handle laterally outward from the pot, the patent positions the handle in a different spatial arrangement - integrated into the cap's vertical or radial structure. This dimensional repositioning reduces the lateral footprint and preserves storage capacity while maintaining handling ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3747797A1Device for closing a pot designed to contain at least one product, packaging device comprising such a closing device and methods for manufacturing such a closing device and such a packaging device
Publication Date: 2020.12.09 GROUPE GUILLIN
  • EP3747797A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3747797A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3747797A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a closure device (3) for a jar (2) intended to contain at least one product, in particular at least one food product. This closure device (3) comprises, on the one hand, at least one lid (30) configured to close the jar (2), on the other hand, at least one handle (31) configured for grasping and manipulating the closure device (3), and, furthermore, fastening means (32) for securing said at least one handle (31) and the lid (30). The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a closure device (3), a packaging device (1) comprising such a closure device (3), a method for manufacturing such a packaging device (1), and a packaging method.