Integrated Picker in Chocolate Packaging for Hygienic Consumption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chocolate packaging does not address the issue of hygienic consumption, as consuming chocolate typically results in direct contact with fingers, leading to melting and residue, especially during outdoor activities or social interactions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a picker or holder, resembling tongs, into the chocolate packaging to allow picking and holding chocolate without direct hand contact, designed in various forms such as single or double creases, additional tabs, finger holes, and disposable versions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If chocolate is consumed directly with hands, then ease of consumption is improved, but hygiene is worsened due to direct contact between fingers and chocolate causing melting and residue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a picker as an intermediary tool between the hand and the chocolate. The picker consists of a handle and a picker head that can grip the chocolate piece, allowing users to pick up and consume chocolate without direct finger contact. This mediator prevents the harmful effect of direct contact while maintaining ease of consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The picker is designed as a separate component that can be detached from the packaging. The packaging is segmented to include the picker as an integrated element that can be removed and used independently, allowing the hygiene function to be separated from the consumption action.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a picker is integrated into chocolate packaging, then hygiene is improved by preventing direct contact, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The picker is merged with the packaging structure during manufacturing. The picker is formed as an integral part of the packaging material (such as molded pulp or cardboard), combining two functions (packaging and picking tool) into a single structure. This reduces overall complexity compared to providing separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging serves multiple functions: it protects the chocolate during transport and simultaneously provides a built-in picker tool for hygienic consumption. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional separate tools, offsetting the increased packaging complexity with utility consolidation.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional packaging is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but hygiene during consumption is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The picker is pre-formed as part of the packaging structure during the manufacturing process. Rather than adding the picker separately at a later stage, the packaging is molded or formed to include the picker integrated into its structure, performing the hygiene function in advance before the product reaches the consumer.
Data Source
AI summary
The subject of the invention is a picker for chocolate, which is an integral part of the chocolate packaging (11). It is meant preferably for chocolate bars (3), but can also be used for candies or cookies (13). The invention solves the problem of packaging design for chocolate, which includes one or more pickers which can be used to pick up an individual piece of chocolate (2), chocolate candy or cookie (13) without the chocolate itself coming into direct contact with the user's fingers (5). This allows for greater hygiene when eating chocolate bars (3), pieces of chocolate (2), candies or cookies (13). The picker can be made in various possible versions (1, 6, 7, 9, 16) or other related, and is intended for either multiple (1, 6, 7, 9) or single use (16). It can be integrated into the packaging (11), inserted into it or attached to it on an additional outer surface (19).