Sealed Confectionery Packaging with Pleated Cup Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sealed packaging for high-quality confectionery products like pralines does not meet consumer expectations for appearance and ease of opening, as it is not typically hand-made or easily openable.
Innovation Solution
A packaging system using a first wrapper sheet shaped with an annular radial flange, heat-sealed with a second flat sheet, and a pleated cup with a stronger adhesive base to facilitate easy opening, made from materials with barrier properties like aluminum/polyester laminates, to create a sealed wrapper resembling hand-made packaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealed wrapper is used to preserve the product, then the organoleptic characteristics are improved, but the appearance and ease of opening deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging is divided into distinct functional components: a sealed wrapper for preservation and a separate pleated cup for opening. The wrapper is constricted below the flange to seal the product, while the pleated cup provides a separate mechanism for easy opening without compromising the seal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pleated cup acts as an intermediary element between the sealed wrapper and the consumer. It provides a user-friendly opening mechanism while maintaining the sealed wrapper's preservation function. The cup's pleated structure allows easy manipulation and opening without requiring tools or complex actions.
2Reliability
If a sealed wrapper adhering closely to the product is used, then the preservation is improved, but the ease of opening deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system separates the sealing function (wrapper) from the opening function (pleated cup). The wrapper adheres closely to the product for preservation, while the pleated cup provides a distinct opening mechanism that does not require compromising the seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The pleated cup introduces dynamic flexibility to the packaging system. The pleats allow the cup to be collapsed and manipulated easily for opening, while the wrapper maintains its sealed, rigid structure for preservation. This dynamic element enables easy opening without affecting the static seal integrity.
3Reliability
If traditional sealed packaging is used, then the preservation is improved, but the appearance and consumer expectation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the packaging have different qualities: the wrapper provides the sealed preservation function, while the pleated cup provides the aesthetic appearance of hand-made packaging. Each component is optimized for its specific function, with the cup's pleated structure giving it the desired handcrafted look.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging uses composite construction combining a sealed wrapper (for preservation) with a pleated cup (for appearance). This composite structure allows the packaging to simultaneously achieve both preservation reliability and aesthetic appeal, meeting consumer expectations for hand-made appearance.
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 sealed packaging that enhances the preservation of confectionery products while offering an appearance similar to hand-made packaging and allowing easy consumer access, thus meeting consumer expectations and maintaining organoleptic characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
heat-sealed with a second flat sheet
Implementation Method 2
a case (a pleated cup) whose base surface is made to adhere to the pressed-down edges of the wrapper
Data Source
AI summary
Sealed packaging for a confectionery product Food product packaging comprising a food product (P) in a sealed wrapper of sheet material, comprising a first sheet (2) shaped in a receiving configuration adapted to contain the product, having an end edge in the shape of a flange (4) and a second sheet (6) adhered to said flange (4) to form a sealed wrapper surrounding the product (P), comprising a body of sheet material (8) in the shape of a cup with a base (10) and a side wall (12), where the base (10) is made to adhere to said second sheet (6) and the adhesive force between said base (10) and said second sheet (6) is greater than the adhesive force between the second sheet (6) and said flange (4), so that a force tending to separate said body from the packaging causes the detachment of said second sheet (6) from the flange (4) with the opening of the packaging.