Stacked Article Package with Internal Stiffening Core
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging solutions for stacked articles either require expensive and complex materials to maintain rigidity, such as cardboard, or are economical but lose shape as they empty, with current technologies failing to balance cost and shape retention effectively.
Innovation Solution
A package design combining a semi-rigid internal structure with a flexible film, where the internal structure includes a stiffening core and sealing portions to maintain shape, and a flexible film that wraps around to provide cost-effectiveness and rigidity, allowing for efficient picking up of articles without compromising the package's shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a carton made of stiff material like cardboard is used to wrap around the stack, then the shape of the package is maintained, but the production cost becomes extremely expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The package is divided into two functional segments: a flexible outer film for containment and a rigid internal insert for shape maintenance. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the film provides flexibility and low cost, while the insert provides structural support and shape retention, avoiding the need for expensive complete cartons
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire package structure rigid with expensive material, rigidity is locally applied only where needed - in the internal insert that contacts the stack. The outer film remains flexible and economical, while the rigid insert provides shape maintenance only in the critical areas where the stack requires support
2Ease of manufacture
If a flexible film is used to wrap around the stack, then production cost is reduced, but the package loses its shape as articles are picked up
Solution Approach 1:
A rigid internal insert is introduced as an intermediary element between the flexible outer film and the stack of articles. This insert acts as a mediator that transfers the shape-maintaining function from the film to a dedicated structural component, allowing the film to remain flexible and economical while the insert provides the necessary rigidity to maintain package shape during article removal
3Ease of operation
If a supporting insert with a large aperture is used, then article picking is facilitated, but the upper face of the package is not adequately stiffened
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is designed with differentiated local qualities: the upper face maintains substantial rigidity with minimal apertures to preserve structural strength, while the lateral faces incorporate larger apertures to facilitate article picking. This local differentiation allows the package to simultaneously achieve both structural integrity in critical areas and operational ease in access areas
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention relates to a package for containing and picking up stacked articles (A) and a method for making the package, which make it possible to reduce the production costs of the package and, in any case, obtain a package which is sufficiently rigid to keep the shape of the above-mentioned package. The package comprises a stiffening structure (11) and a piece of plastic film (12) enclosing the stack and the stiffening structure. An opening is formable in the upper wall of the package to access the articles in the stack.