Pouch and Container Kit with Folded Flap Closure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pouch and container kits are inconvenient for frequent use, require time-consuming opening and closing, are prone to spills, and pose hygiene concerns due to incomplete sealing, especially when storing dry consumable products.

Innovation Solution

A pouch and container kit design where the pouch is adapted to fit tightly into the container with flaps that can be folded around the container's sides for easy access and re-closure, using a lid for access without opening the pouch, and securing means like knobs or Velcro for fixation, allowing easy pouring and scooping without spills.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the pouch is smaller than the internal volume of the container, then the pouch can fit inside the container, but the storage capacity is reduced and there is wasted space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidsealing effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The container is divided into two functional parts: the outer container body and the inner pouch. The pouch is segmented with flaps that can be folded around the container sides, creating a nested structure that maximizes space utilization while maintaining sealing integrity through the closure mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pouch is nested inside the container, with the pouch flaps extending around the container sides. This nesting arrangement allows the pouch to fit tightly within the container volume, maximizing storage capacity while the closure system ensures airtight sealing of the nested structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the pouch is opened frequently to access contents, then easy access is achieved, but time is lost and hygiene concerns arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess convenienceVSAvoidopening and closing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The pouch is pre-configured with flaps that can be folded around the container sides, and the closure is pre-positioned to seal the container opening. This preliminary arrangement allows users to access contents by simply opening the container lid without needing to open the pouch itself, saving time and maintaining hygiene.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The container lid acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the pouch contents. Instead of directly opening the pouch, users interact with the container lid to access contents, which protects the pouch seal and reduces the frequency of pouch opening operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the pouch is opened frequently, then access to contents is easier, but hygiene and contamination risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess convenienceVSAvoidcontamination risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into an outer container with lid and an inner sealed pouch. This segmentation allows the container lid to be opened for access while the pouch remains sealed, protecting contents from contamination during frequent access operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The container lid serves as an intermediary that enables access to contents without compromising the pouch seal. Users can open the lid to retrieve items while the pouch remains closed and protected, eliminating direct exposure to contaminants during access operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If a plastic clip is used to close the pouch, then the pouch can be sealed, but the closing process is cumbersome and difficult to operate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidclosing operation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a clip to close the pouch opening, the solution inverts the approach by using the container lid to close the container opening. The pouch flaps are folded around the container sides, and the lid seals the exterior, making the closing operation simpler and more intuitive.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The closure function is extracted from the pouch itself and transferred to the container lid. By removing the need for pouch-specific closing mechanisms like plastic clips, the system simplifies the closing operation to a single lid closure action while maintaining sealing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP2655213B1Container and pouch
Publication Date: 2017.07.26 NESTEC SA
  • EP2655213B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2655213B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2655213B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a container (2) and a pouch (1). The container and pouch is preferably mutually shaped so that the pouch fits tightly into the container. The container comprises a closure (5) for closing the container and preferably being adapted to maintain the pouch in an open state in a position where its opening is facing upwardly. In addition, the closure comprises a lid (7), allowing re-closable access to the contents stored in the pouch.