Reshaping Pillow Pouch Ends for Stable Box Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pillow pouch packages are prone to tipping and do not stand upright easily, making it inconvenient to access the contents, especially as the contents are consumed and become harder to reach.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that transform a pillow pouch package into a structurally resilient package with a box-shaped configuration by using a flighted conveyor, tamping plate, heating plates, and cooling plates to convert the angular end into a squared end, providing increased stability and easy access through an optimally placed opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a pillow pouch package is used with an angular end, then the package can be manufactured with simple structure, but the package becomes unstable and prone to tipping over
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the geometric parameters of the package end from angular to squared. This is achieved through heat treatment that softens the material at the angular end, allowing it to be reshaped into a squared configuration with flat surfaces that provide stable contact with supporting surfaces, thereby resolving the instability issue while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes asymmetry by creating a squared end with specific dimensional relationships - the flat surfaces are positioned at specific angles and distances from the package center. This asymmetric squared configuration provides a stable base for standing upright while maintaining the overall simple package structure, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and stability
2Ease of manufacture
If the package maintains a simple angular end configuration, then manufacturing is easier, but access to contents becomes difficult as contents are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the package end into distinct functional zones: the squared end provides structural stability for standing, while the opening positioned at the top provides easy access to contents. This segmentation allows the package to fulfill multiple functions - stable standing and easy access - without complicating the overall manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes dimensional change by transitioning from a two-dimensional angular surface to a three-dimensional squared end with vertical faces and a flat top surface. This dimensional enhancement provides both stability for standing upright and a convenient opening position for accessing contents, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing ease and operational convenience
3Strength
If heat treatment is applied to transform the angular end, then the package gains structural resilience and box-shaped configuration, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies phase transitions by using heat treatment to temporarily change the material state at the package end from rigid to pliable, allowing reshaping into the squared configuration. After shaping, the material cools and returns to its rigid state, locking in the new form. This phase transition approach enables structural resilience enhancement without requiring complex manufacturing equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical shaping systems with a thermal field approach. Instead of using complex mechanical devices to force the material into the desired squared shape, the invention uses controlled heating to make the material compliant, followed by simple forming and cooling to achieve the final shape, thereby reducing manufacturing process complexity while enhancing structural resilience
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The resulting package has increased stability due to its wider base and maintains a box-shaped configuration, allowing easy access to contents without the need for pouring, enhancing the consumer experience.
Implementation Method 1
the angular end of the package is subsequently heat treated to form a second squared end
Implementation Method 2
A set of cooling plates is then applied to the second squared end to set the final shape
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for making a structurally resilient package having a substantially box-shaped configuration is disclosed. A pillow pouch package is received onto a flighted conveyor. The pillow pouch package has a first squared end and an angular end located opposite to the first squared end. The pillow pouch package is received so that the first squared end rests on the flighted conveyor. Thereafter the pillow pouch package is conditioned at least in part by tamping the angular end with a tamping plate. The angular end of the package is subsequently heat treated to form a second squared end. A set of cooling plates is then applied to the second squared end to set the final shape and form the structurally resilient package having a substantially box-shaped configuration.