Molded Fiber Liquid Container with Biodegradable Liner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current liquid packaging solutions, such as glass, plastic, and laminated cardboard containers, face issues with non-biodegradability, contamination risks, and inefficient recycling due to complex separation requirements, leading to environmental waste and increased resource consumption.
Innovation Solution
The development of containers featuring a liquid-holding bag with a fitment that forms a secure connection to a molded fiber or pulp-formed skeleton shell, allowing for easy separation and recycling, with a focus on minimizing polymer usage and incorporating biodegradable materials for reduced environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If glass bottles are used for liquid packaging, then the material can be recycled, but the energy required to make the bottles is high and the weight is high increasing transportation energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from glass to molded fiber or pulp, which are biodegradable and require less energy to produce. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by maintaining recyclability/biodegradability while significantly reducing manufacturing energy requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs biodegradable molded fiber containers that can be composted after use, replacing durable glass bottles. This approach accepts shorter service life in exchange for dramatically reduced manufacturing energy and elimination of recycling infrastructure requirements.
2Reliability
If glass bottles are separated for recycling, then the glass can be recycled, but users must separate the glass bottles from other household waste which is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces recyclable glass bottles with biodegradable molded fiber containers that can be disposed of with regular household waste. This eliminates the separation requirement entirely, resolving the contradiction between recyclability and ease of operation by using compostable materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the previously harmful practice of glass disposal in landfills into a beneficial composting process. The molded fiber containers are designed to biodegrade in municipal composting systems, turning waste into useful compost while eliminating separation requirements.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If plastic bottles are used to ensure liquid is not contaminated, then the liquid is protected from contamination, but the bottles take up excessive space in landfill sites and are not biodegradable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from non-biodegradable plastic to biodegradable molded fiber or pulp. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining adequate liquid protection while enabling the container to decompose completely, eliminating landfill volume accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite structures with molded fiber bodies and minimal biodegradable liners or coatings to achieve both contamination protection and biodegradability. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between protective function and environmental disposal.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If laminated cardboard containers are used, then the container can hold liquid and act as a barrier, but they are difficult to recycle and the waterproof coating prevents full decomposition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces multi-layer laminated containers with single-material molded fiber containers that are designed for biodegradation. This resolves the contradiction by accepting the container as a short-lived disposable item that composts completely, eliminating recycling difficulties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the problematic waterproof coatings and laminations from cardboard containers, using instead treated molded fiber that inherently provides liquid resistance while remaining biodegradable. This extraction of harmful materials resolves the contradiction between protection and recyclability.
5Strength
If wine is packaged in boxes with separate components, then the structure provides support, but each part made from different materials must be separated which is difficult and prevents efficient disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the container body, structural support elements, and closure components into a single molded fiber construction. This consolidation resolves the contradiction by providing adequate structural support through integrated design while eliminating the need for component separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses heterogeneous molded fiber materials with different densities and strengths integrated into a single component, achieving both structural support and biodegradability without requiring separation of different materials.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides for a container that may include a liquid- holding vessel and a skeleton shell supporting the liquid holding vessel. The liquid-holding vessel may comprise a flexible polymer or plastic material for preventing contact between a liquid stored in or dispensed from the container and the skeleton. The liquid- holding vessel and the closure may be formed from a minimal amount of polymer or plastic.