Reinforced Package with V-Shaped Fold Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing packaging solutions for products like sandwiches and prepared foods require multiple stages and operations to incorporate reinforcing layers, leading to increased manufacturing costs, which is a challenge in minimizing costs while ensuring effective packaging.
Innovation Solution
A reinforced package design featuring a carton with foldable panels and a bag attached, where the carton can be positioned in both non-erect and erect configurations, utilizing V-shaped fold lines and support features to maintain the package's rigidity and accessibility, allowing for easy loading and use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple stages or operations are used to incorporate reinforcing layers into bags or liners, then the package strength and rigidity are improved, but the manufacturing cost significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reinforcing layer and the bag into a single integrated structure, where the reinforcing layer is formed as an integral part of the bag during the same manufacturing process. This merging eliminates the need for separate reinforcement operations and reduces manufacturing steps while maintaining structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural rigidity, maintains package shape, and is formed as part of the bag itself. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and operations, thereby lowering manufacturing complexity and cost.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple stages or operations are used to incorporate reinforcing layers into bags or liners, then the package rigidity is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing layer and bag are merged into a single manufacturing process, eliminating multiple stages. The reinforcing layer is formed concurrently with the bag, reducing manufacturing complexity while ensuring consistent rigidity and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing layer is pre-formed as part of the bag structure during the initial manufacturing process, rather than being added later. This preliminary integration simplifies subsequent manufacturing steps and reduces overall process complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If a bag or liner is used without reinforcing layers, then the manufacturing cost is minimized, but the package cannot maintain its shape and provide adequate support
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing layer is merged with the bag structure, providing shape maintenance and structural support as integral functions of the packaging itself. This eliminates the need for separate reinforcement components while preserving package geometry and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The package utilizes a composite structure where the bag material is combined with a reinforcing layer in a single integrated component. This composite design provides both the flexibility of the bag and the rigidity needed to maintain shape, without requiring separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
A reinforced package comprising a carton comprising a plurality of panels that can comprise a first side panel connected to a front panel along a first fold line, a back panel connected to the first side panel along a second fold line, and a second side panel connected to the front and/or back panels. The reinforced package further can comprise a bag that can have an at least partially open end, an at least partially closed end, and an interior space. The carton can be positionable in non-erect and erect positions, and the carton can be configured to support the bag in the erect position. The first and second side panels can comprise retention features for at least partially retaining the carton in the erect position, and the retention features can comprise at least a V-shaped fold line extending in the first side panel from the first fold line.