Reinforced Package Using V-Shaped Fold Lines for Bag Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current reinforced packaging designs for products like sandwiches and prepared foods require multiple manufacturing stages, increasing costs due to the incorporation of reinforcing layers or materials, while existing solutions do not adequately address the need for cost minimization and efficient formation of packages that remain open for access.
Innovation Solution
A reinforced package design featuring a carton with foldable panels and a bag attached, where the carton is configured to support the bag in both collapsed and erect positions, utilizing V-shaped fold lines and support features to maintain the package's rigidity and openness, allowing for easy access and loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If reinforcing layers or materials are incorporated into bags or liners, then the package strength and shape stability are improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to multiple stages or operations
Solution Approach 1:
The package is divided into two functional components: a simple bag or liner for containing products and a separate carton with reinforcing panels for structural support. The carton includes a front panel, back panel, and side panels that can be assembled around the bag to provide reinforcement without requiring complex multi-layer bag construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing function is extracted from the bag structure itself and placed into a separate carton assembly. Instead of incorporating reinforcing layers directly into the bag material which requires complex manufacturing, the reinforcement is provided by a detachable carton that surrounds and supports the bag, separating the containment function from the structural support function.
2Strength
If multiple stages or operations are used to manufacture specialty bags with reinforcing layers, then the package strength is improved, but the manufacturing cost significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The package system is segmented into a simple bag component and a separate carton component, each manufactured independently using simple processes. The bag can be made from standard materials without complex layering, while the carton provides the necessary reinforcement through its panel structure, reducing overall manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution uses inexpensive, easily manufactured materials for both the bag and carton components. The carton can be made from standard paperboard or cardboard materials that are cheap and readily available, providing reinforcement without the high cost of specialty multi-layer bag materials.
3Ease of operation
If the package is designed to remain open for access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the package stability and shape retention worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The package separates the opening/access function (provided by the bag's open top) from the structural support function (provided by the carton's rigid panels). The carton's front panel, back panel, and side panels work together to maintain the package's upright shape and stability even when the bag remains open for product access.
Solution Approach 2:
The package combines a flexible bag material with a rigid carton structure to achieve both ease of access and stability. The carton acts as a composite structural framework that maintains the package's erect configuration, while the flexible bag inside allows for easy opening and access to contents.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 2
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.