Nested Multicompartment Flexible Container Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current polymeric bags do not efficiently allow for the separate storage and transportation of items that require separation, such as food products, necessitating the purchase of multiple separate packages.
Innovation Solution
A flexible, multicompartment container design featuring interconnected flexible panels that form nested bags, allowing for separate compartments within a single container, with a fastening system to open and close the top for access to each compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate polymeric bags are used to store different items, then each item can be stored separately, but the packaging quantity and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing a second flexible bag inside the first flexible bag, with the second bag positioned within the interior space of the first bag. The first and second flexible panels are joined to form nested compartments that can independently contain different items while occupying a single external package, thereby reducing total packaging quantity while maintaining separate storage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the single container into multiple independent compartments by introducing a second flexible bag nested within the first bag. Each compartment can be independently sealed and accessed, allowing different items to be stored separately while using a single outer package, thus reducing the number of separate packaging units needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate polymeric bags are used to store different items, then each item can be stored separately, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces structural complexity by nesting the second flexible bag within the first flexible bag rather than using completely separate packages. The first and second flexible panels are joined together to form an integrated nested structure, which simplifies the overall container design compared to managing multiple independent bags while still providing separate storage compartments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple separate bag structures into a single integrated container by joining the first and second flexible panels together. This combining approach creates a unified nested container system that provides separate storage compartments while reducing the number of separate devices that need to be manufactured, handled, and disposed of.
3Ease of operation
If a fastening system is added to open and close the container top, then access to compartments is controlled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it seals the top of the first flexible bag, seals the top of the second flexible bag, and provides a unified mechanism for accessing both compartments. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate fastening mechanisms for each bag, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the fastening functions of multiple bags into a single integrated fastening system. The first and second fastening systems are merged into one mechanism that can open and close both compartments through a single operation, reducing the complexity that would arise from having separate fastening mechanisms for each bag while still providing controlled access to all compartments.
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible, multicompartment container and a web including a multiplicity of such containers. One of the containers includes a first flexible panel and a second flexible panel. The first and second flexible panels are joined together along a bottom edge joint, a first side edge joint and a second side edge joint. A third flexible panel located between the first and second flexible panels is connected to the first and second flexible panels at least at one of the bottom edge joint, the first side edge joint and second side joint. The first, second and third flexible panels are arranged to form two separate compartments within the container. A fastening system connected to the first flexible panel and the second flexible panel can selectively open and close a top of the container thereby to permit access to the two separate compartments and to block access to the two separate compartments.