Laminated Packaging with Scored Viewing Window

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional packaging for consumable products, such as confectionery, often prioritizes functionality over visual attractiveness, lacking innovative designs that can effectively showcase the contents while maintaining protection and appeal to customers.

Innovation Solution

A method of manufacturing laminated packaging materials with a translucent or transparent inner layer and an opaque outer layer, featuring a removable section scored to form a viewing window, allowing partial or full visibility of the contents and incorporating a peelable or re-sealable adhesive for enhanced consumer appeal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fully sealed opaque package is used to protect the product, then product protection is improved, but visual attractiveness and consumer appeal deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct protectionVSAvoidvisual attractiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging is divided into two distinct functional zones: an opaque sealed portion for product protection and a transparent viewing window portion for visual appeal. This segmentation allows each zone to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between protection and attractiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the packaging have different optical properties - the main body remains opaque for protection while a specific local area (the viewing window) is made transparent. This local quality change enables the package to simultaneously provide protection and visual appeal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If a transparent viewing window is created in the packaging, then visual attractiveness is improved, but structural integrity and protection deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual attractivenessVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The viewing window is segmented as a separate transparent portion within the larger opaque packaging structure. This segmentation allows the window to provide visual appeal while the surrounding opaque material maintains structural integrity and protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging uses a composite structure combining transparent and opaque materials in a single package. This composite approach enables the package to simultaneously achieve visual attractiveness through the transparent window and structural protection through the opaque portions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of operation

If the wrapper is made fully opaque to maintain appearance, then visual appeal is improved, but product visibility and consumer interest deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual appealVSAvoidproduct visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging transitions from fully opaque to partially transparent at the viewing window location. This local quality change allows consumers to see the product through the window while the rest of the packaging maintains its opaque appearance for aesthetic purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging is segmented into opaque and transparent regions, allowing the transparent viewing window to reveal product information and appearance to consumers while the opaque portions maintain visual appeal and branding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of manufacture

If conventional packaging designs are used to maintain simplicity, then manufacturing ease is improved, but consumer engagement and appeal deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidconsumer appeal
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging design is segmented into distinct opaque and transparent portions, creating visual interest and consumer engagement while remaining manufacturable using standard lamination and forming processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging incorporates a dynamic element through the removable window cover, allowing consumers to interact with the package by opening and closing the window. This dynamic feature enhances consumer appeal while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The solution provides an attractive and unique packaging appearance that appeals to consumers by allowing partial visibility of the contents, while maintaining protection and flexibility, and can be adapted for various product shapes and themes, enhancing the overall consumer experience.

Implementation Method 1

the inner laminate structure being translucent or transparent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Implementation Method 2

The seams may be formed using an adhesive to bond the opposing surfaces of the wrapper

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Implementation Method 3

forming a score line in the opaque laminate structure to define a section within the opaque laminate structure which can be wholly or partially removed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFolding: Folding

Data Source

PatentEP2580139B1packaging
Publication Date: 2016.08.10 MONDELEZ UK HLDG & SERVICES LTD
  • EP2580139B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2580139B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2580139B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

A method of manufacturing a packaging material comprises laminating together at least two layers of materials to form a laminated packaging material having an inner laminate structure (20) and an outer laminate structure (22), one of which (22) is translucent or transparent and the other (20) opaque. The method includes forming a score line (28) in the opaque laminate structure to define a section (26) within the opaque laminate structure which can be wholly or partially removed. The score line (28) can encircle the section to allow its removal after lamination to form a window in the packaging. Alternatively, the score line may only partially encircle the section such that it remains attached to the remainder of the opaque laminate structure along a line about which section of opaque laminate structure can be folded in the manner of a flap.