Pourable Package Top Wall Crease Pattern for Opening Device Space

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packages for pourable food products have limited space available for the opening device, which restricts the size and functionality of the opening mechanism.

Innovation Solution

The package design incorporates a packaging blank with a specific crease pattern that allows for a larger top wall area, maximizing the space available for the opening device without compromising the structural integrity of the package.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the top wall size is increased to maximize space for the opening device, then the opening device space is improved, but the package structural integrity and stability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetop wall areaVSAvoidpackage structural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging blank is divided into multiple sections with specific crease lines that define the top wall, side walls, and bottom wall. The crease pattern segments the flat blank into three-dimensional structural elements, allowing the top wall to be enlarged while maintaining structural integrity through the crease-defined geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging blank transitions from a two-dimensional flat structure to a three-dimensional package structure through the crease pattern. The top wall is formed by folding up portions of the blank, converting planar area into vertical surface area, thereby maximizing the opening device space without increasing the footprint of the package.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If the package is formed from a web of packaging blanks, then productivity is improved, but the precision of individual package formation may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging speedVSAvoidpackage formation precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The web is segmented into multiple individually formed packages through the crease pattern design. Each package is formed by folding and sealing specific sections of the web, allowing continuous production while maintaining precise geometric control over each individual package structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The crease pattern is pre-defined on the packaging blank before formation. This preliminary marking of fold lines and geometric features ensures that when the web is processed continuously, each package is formed with precise dimensional control, eliminating the need for post-formation adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4556387A1Package filled with a pourable product and packaging blank for forming a package

Publication Date: 2025.05.21 TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE SA

Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2

AI summary

There is described a package (1, 1', 1", 1‴) comprising a bottom wall (3) and a top wall (4) spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal axis (A) of the package (1, 1', 1", 1‴) and a side wall (5) interposed between the top wall (3) and the bottom wall (4). A projection of the top wall (4) onto a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A) gives rise to two respective projected front corners (27) and two projected back corners (28). An imaginary front line (30) extends through the two projected front corners (27) and an imaginary back line (31) extends through the two projected back corners (28). A first distance (d1) between the imaginary back line (31) and the imaginary front line (30) is larger than a second distance (d2) between the two projected front corners (27).