Laminated Liner With Perforated Venting For Coffee Packaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Coffee packaging faces issues with gas release and aroma loss during storage and transport, leading to quality deterioration and potential container rupture, which existing solutions like one-way valves or vacuum packaging address at the cost of aroma preservation and hygiene.

Innovation Solution

A laminated liner for food or beverage container lids featuring a perforated lower layer and a non-perforated upper layer, where the upper layer is releasably attached to the lower layer, allowing controlled pressure release and aroma venting without ingredient spillage, using materials like cardboard, paperboard, or polymeric substrates with specific perforation patterns and adhesive layers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If one-way valves are used to release internal pressure during storage, then container rupture is prevented, but coffee aroma is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer integrityVSAvoidcoffee aroma

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is divided into two functional layers: a seal layer that maintains hygiene and containment, and a vent layer with perforations that releases pressure and aroma. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The vent layer acts as an intermediary between the sealed container interior and the external environment, allowing controlled passage of gases and aroma compounds while preventing liquid coffee from escaping through the perforated structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If vacuum packaging is used to remove excess gases during packing, then internal pressure issues are resolved, but coffee aroma is depleted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure stabilityVSAvoidvolatile aroma compounds

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging is prepared with a pre-configured venting system that remains dormant during storage and transport, only activating when needed upon opening the container. This eliminates the need for preliminary vacuum treatment that would remove aromatic compounds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging system transitions from a static sealed state to a dynamic venting state upon opening, allowing the lid to adapt its function based on operational conditions rather than requiring pre-evacuation of gases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If high air pressure packaging is manufactured at sea level and transported to high altitude, then manufacturing is simplified, but container rupture occurs due to pressure differential

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging processVSAvoidcontainer integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lid incorporates a pressure-responsive venting mechanism that activates when the internal pressure exceeds external pressure, such as during transport from sea level to high altitude, automatically equalizing pressure without compromising container integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging includes a pre-designed pressure relief system that anticipates and compensates for pressure differentials encountered during transport to high altitude regions, preventing rupture before it occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If a sealed lid is used to maintain hygiene, then contamination is prevented, but pressure build-up causes rupture or spillage upon opening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoxidation and contaminationVSAvoidopening safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful function of the lid (causing pressure build-up that leads to rupture or spillage) is extracted and separated from the useful function (maintaining hygiene and containment). The vent layer specifically addresses pressure release while the seal layer maintains hygiene.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Maintains coffee aroma quality and prevents container rupture by allowing controlled pressure release upon opening, ensuring a hygienic seal and retaining the ingredient within the container.

Implementation Method 1

at least one lower layer comprising one or more perforations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPerforation:

Implementation Method 2

The or each perforation is preferably configured and/or sized to prevent egress of food or beverage whilst allowing air (or air pressure) to egress

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 3

wherein the non-perforated upper layer or layers is/are releasably attached to the perforated lower layer or layers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS20210070505A1Container lid and liner, and method of manufacturing the same

Publication Date: 2021.03.11 KONINK DOUWE EGBERTS BV

AI summary

This invention provides for a laminated liner (2) for a food or beverage ingredient container lid (416) comprising at least one lower layer (4) comprising one or more perforations (8) and at least one upper layer (6) comprising no perforations, and wherein the non-perforated upper layer or layers is/are releasably attached to the perforated lower layer or layers.