Packaging Container Outer Part with Foldable Closure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging solutions struggle with easy separation for recycling and reuse, particularly in reusable containers where repeated sealing of sealing edges is difficult, leading to inadequate recycling and reuse processes.

Innovation Solution

A cut design for a mug-shaped container with a folding line and folding area that allows for easy separation from the container, enabling improved recycling and reuse while enhancing the durability and lockability of the container.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the outer part is made as a single integrated piece, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot be easily separated from the container for recycling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of outer part structureVSAvoidease of separation for recycling
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The outer part is segmented into a main body and a separate foldable closure element (flap/lid). The closure element is connected to the main body through a predetermined separation area that allows easy detachment. This segmentation enables the outer part to be manufactured as a single piece while still allowing easy separation of the closure element from the container for recycling purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the closure element is repeatedly sealed and opened, then the container can be reused, but the sealing edges become damaged and sealing quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereusability of containerVSAvoidsealing quality of closure element
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The closure element is extracted as a separate, removable component from the main outer part structure. The closure element can be detached from the container through the predetermined separation area and replaced with a fresh closure element from the outer part. This extraction principle allows the container to be reused multiple times while maintaining consistent sealing quality, as the closure element can be replaced without damaging the container's sealing edges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the outer part is designed to fully enclose the container, then protection is maximized, but separation and access to contents becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of container contentsVSAvoidaccess to container contents
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The outer part incorporates dynamic elements including a foldable closure element and a predetermined separation area that enables easy opening and separation. The closure element can be folded open to provide access to contents, and the separation area allows the closure element to be completely detached when needed. This dynamic design maintains full enclosure and protection during storage and transport while enabling easy access and separation during use and recycling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4534432A1Blank, outer part, combination packaging container with a container and an outer part, method for producing a combination packaging container, method for opening a combination packaging container
Publication Date: 2025.04.09 GREINER PACKAGING AG
  • EP4534432A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4534432A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4534432A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a combination packaging container (1) comprising a container (2) and an outer part (12). The outer part (12) has a fold line (23) and a fold area (24), wherein the fold line (23) is concentric to the outer part (12) with respect to a longitudinal axis (8) of the outer part (12), and wherein the fold area (24) is arranged between the fold line (23) and the second end face (20) when viewed in its longitudinal extension (22), and wherein the fold area (24) is folded along the fold line (23) in a radial direction to the longitudinal axis (8) of the outer part (12), such that the open end (5) and/or an area (30) of the closure element (29) is partially or completely covered by the fold area (24). The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a combination packaging container (1) and a method for opening a combination packaging container (1).