Reclosable Package with Active Shelf Life Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional packs for pourable food products do not provide consumers with effective information on the shelf life of the product after the pack has been opened for the first time, leading to potential consumption of spoiled food.
Innovation Solution
A liquid-tight cardboard/plastic composite pack with a resealable opening element that incorporates an active indicator element, which is activated upon first opening and uses electrochemical processes, pH value, temperature, oxygen content, or bio-chemical receptors to display the product's condition and shelf life through a mechanical movement-induced electrical contact, allowing for clear and unambiguous information to the consumer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If an adjustable display showing days since opening is implemented, then consumers can see shelf life information, but the display requires consumer assistance and can be manipulated
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator element automatically activates and displays shelf life information without requiring consumer intervention. The system self-registers upon package opening through mechanical movement-induced electrical contact, eliminating the need for manual setup while preventing manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual adjustment mechanisms with an automatic electrochemical system. Mechanical movement of the opening element triggers electrical contact that initiates the indicator, substituting consumer action with an automated physical-chemical process.
2Extent of automation
If a measuring element is integrated into the opening element, then activation is automatic, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring element is integrated directly into the opening element structure, combining two functions (opening and measurement) into a single component. This reduces the number of separate parts while achieving automatic activation through the mechanical movement inherent in the opening action.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening element serves dual purposes: it provides the mechanical opening function and simultaneously acts as the measuring element that detects opening and triggers the indicator. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate activation mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If electrochemical processes are used for the indicator, then accurate shelf life monitoring is achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electrochemical processes that naturally respond to temporal changes through measurable parameter variations. The system leverages inherent electrochemical reactions that occur over time, converting time-based shelf life into detectable electrical or chemical signals without requiring ultra-precise manufacturing tolerances.
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 solution provides consumers with accurate and clear information about the product's condition and remaining shelf life after the pack has been opened, ensuring that the product is used before it becomes inedible, thereby reducing food waste.
Implementation Method 1
the activation element is triggered by mechanical movement to bring about an electrical contact which initiates an electrochemical process
Implementation Method 2
the activation element is triggered by mechanical movement to bring about an electrical contact which initiates an electrochemical process
Implementation Method 3
the indicator element can be influenced at least indirectly by one or more of the parameters time, temperature, pH value, oxygen content
Implementation Method 4
the indicator element can be influenced at least indirectly by one or more of the parameters time, temperature, pH value, oxygen content
Implementation Method 5
the indicator element can be influenced at least indirectly by one or more of the parameters time, temperature, pH value, oxygen content
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2A
AI summary
The invention relates to a packaging (1), in particular a liquid-tight cardboard-plastic composite packaging for pourable food products, comprising a reclosable opening element (4, 4', 4'', 4''', 4''''), wherein the opening element (4, 4', 4'', 4''', 4'''') is applied to the outside of the packaging and/or forms an integral part of the packaging (1). In order to design and develop the packagings on the market having pourable food products in such a way that the state of the product contained in the packaging (1) is signaled to the consumer after the packaging (1) is opened for the first time, according to the invention, an active indicator element (7, 7', 7'') is provided in the region of the opening element (4, 4', 4'', 4''', 4''''), which indicator element indicates information about the state and/or the shelf life of the product contained in the packaging (1) to the consumer. The invention further relates to various production methods for such a packaging (1).