Nested Liner and Construct Package for Secure Flexible Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging solutions lack effective reinforcement and secure closure mechanisms for holding products of various shapes, especially food items, which can lead to leakage or improper containment during handling and heating.
Innovation Solution
A package design comprising a flexible liner and a reinforcing construct with overlapping portions and locking features, where the construct wraps around the liner and product, securing them with male and female locking tabs to form a stable and flexible package that can accommodate different sizes and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a simple liner is used to wrap the product, then the package is flexible and easy to conform to product shapes, but the package lacks reinforcement and secure closure mechanisms leading to leakage or improper containment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where a liner is placed inside a construct, with the liner receiving the product and the construct wrapping around the liner. This nested arrangement allows the flexible liner to conform to the product while the outer construct provides reinforcement and secure closure through overlapping portions and locking features.
Solution Approach 2:
The package combines two different materials/components - a flexible liner material and a reinforcing construct material - to achieve properties that neither material could provide alone. The liner provides flexibility and product contact, while the construct provides structural strength and secure closure.
2Strength
If a rigid construct is used to reinforce the package, then the package maintains structural integrity, but the package loses flexibility and ability to accommodate different product shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The package is divided into two functional segments: a flexible liner segment that contacts and conforms to the product, and a reinforcing construct segment that provides structural strength. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its properties without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The construct is designed with overlapping portions that can flex and conform to different product shapes while still providing reinforcement. The construct acts as a flexible shell that maintains structural integrity without being rigid, allowing adaptation to various product geometries.
3Reliability
If overlapping portions with locking features are added to secure the construct, then the package achieves secure closure, but the package complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking features are designed to be self-securing, where the overlapping portions of the construct automatically lock together without requiring additional fastening mechanisms or complex assembly steps. The construct secures itself through its own structural features.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking features are integrated directly into the construct itself rather than being separate components. The overlapping portions of the construct incorporate locking features as part of their structure, merging the closure function with the reinforcing function.
Data Source
AI summary
A package for holding a product. The package can comprise a liner for at least partially receiving the product and at least partially wrapping around the product. The package further can comprise a construct wrapped at least partially around the liner. The construct can comprise a first portion and a second portion, the first portion at least partially overlapping and engaging the second portion.