Powder Container Sleeve-and-Tub Structure for Recyclable Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging for powdered infant nutrition products, such as metal cans and laminate containers, are costly, heavy, and difficult to recycle due to their layered materials, which complicates recyclability and user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A composite container design featuring a tub with a peripheral wall and an outer sleeve that supports the tub, a removable membrane for environmental protection, and a hinged lid assembly with a wide access opening, allowing for easy use and reclosure, while promoting recyclability by enabling separation of materials and providing an interference fit for structural support without adhesives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If laminate materials (paper, metal foil, plastic) are used for container walls, then sealing and protection from environmental influences is improved, but recyclability deteriorates due to difficulty in separating layers
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into separate components: an inner tub for holding powder and an outer sleeve for structural support. This segmentation allows each component to be made from different materials optimized for its function, and enables easy separation for recycling purposes while maintaining effective sealing through the membrane closure system.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is extracted from the wall material and assigned to a separate removable membrane that closes the container opening. This allows the wall material to focus on structural support and recyclability, while the membrane provides the necessary sealing protection, and the membrane can be removed and replaced as needed.
2Ease of manufacture
If metal cans are used for container body, then ease of manufacture and long term storage sealing is improved, but weight and cost deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The container uses a disposable inner tub made from lightweight plastic or biodegradable material that is replaced when contents are depleted, rather than a permanent metal can. This reduces weight and cost for single-use applications while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through conventional plastic forming processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The container combines plastic tub material with an outer paper or cardboard sleeve, creating a composite structure that is lighter than metal cans but provides comparable structural support and protection. The composite materials offer a balance of weight reduction, manufacturing ease, and protective functionality.
3Reliability
If laminate materials are used for container walls, then protection from environmental influences is improved, but user convenience deteriorates due to tedious layer separation
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into an inner tub and outer sleeve that can be easily pulled apart by the user without requiring separation of laminated layers. This segmentation maintains environmental protection through the membrane closure while dramatically improving user convenience during disposal or recycling.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is extracted to a removable membrane that can be independently handled by the user. This allows users to open, close, and replace the sealing element without manipulating complex laminated wall structures, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining protection integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a packaging (1) for a powdered material comprising a tub (17) for receiving the material, the tub having a base (5) and a peripheral wall (7) with a top edge (6); an outer sleeve (18) around at least the peripheral wall of the tub, thereby supporting the tub; a removable membrane (11) for separating the powdered material in the tub from the environment; and a lid assembly (9) comprising a peripheral rim (3) for connection over the top edge (6) of the peripheral wall of the tub and defining a wide access opening (8) and a lid (4), hingedly attached to the rim (3) for reclosing the access opening. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method of manufacturing such a package for a powdered material, comprising sliding the tub in the sleeve, such that at least the peripheral wall of the tub is enclosed by the sleeve, whereby sleeve supports the tub and the tub and sleeve form a container for the powdered material.