Sealed package comprising a squeezable product
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for extracting juice from fruits like citrus fruits are inefficient, leading to wastage, messiness, and unpredictability, and are affected by seasonal fluctuations in fruit production, resulting in supply issues.
Innovation Solution
A sealed package containing a squeezable fruit segment with a flexible outer rind and an exposed flesh portion, enclosed by fluid-tight films with specific formations such as cuts and ridges to facilitate controlled juice extraction and dispensing, featuring grippable tabs and varying seal strengths to manage opening sizes and directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fruit is sliced or cut for juice extraction, then juice can be extracted from the fruit, but wastage occurs if slices are not used within an acceptable timeframe and residue is left on fingers
Solution Approach 1:
The fruit segment is pre-packaged in a sealed package before use, with the rind portion already prepared with cuts or openings. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for slicing at the point of use, preventing wastage while maintaining juice extraction efficiency when the package is squeezed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a disposable sealed package containing the fruit segment. Instead of reusing fruit slices which lead to wastage, a new sealed package is used each time, ensuring no wastage while maintaining consistent juice extraction performance.
2Productivity
If fruit slices are squeezed for juice extraction, then juice can be obtained, but the process is messy with residue on fingers and unpredictable juice direction
Solution Approach 1:
The sealed package is made from flexible material that can be squeezed to extract juice. The flexible film contains the fruit segment and directs the juice flow through controlled openings, eliminating messiness and residue on fingers while maintaining extraction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealed package acts as an intermediary between the fruit and the user. Instead of directly handling fruit slices which cause messiness, the user squeezes the sealed package which contains the fruit, with juice dispensed through controlled openings, eliminating direct contact with residue.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fruit is used after juice extraction, then the fruit can still be utilized, but the extraction process needs to be controlled to maintain fruit integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The sealed package is designed with specific local features: the rind portion has cuts or openings positioned to allow juice extraction while preserving the flesh portion. This local differentiation enables controlled extraction that maintains the structural integrity of the fruit segment for post-extraction use.
Solution Approach 2:
The package is pre-configured with cuts in the rind portion before use, creating a controlled extraction path. This preliminary structuring allows juice to be extracted through the rind openings while the flesh portion remains intact, preserving fruit integrity for subsequent use.
4Reliability
If fruit production is seasonal, then fresh fruit is available, but poor growing seasons lead to shortages and increased prices
Solution Approach 1:
The fruit segments are prepared and packaged in advance during periods of abundant supply. This preliminary preparation and storage allow the product to be available during poor growing seasons, stabilizing supply and reducing price fluctuations while maintaining reliable availability.
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 allows for efficient, clean, and controlled juice extraction, reducing wastage and supply issues by providing a predictable and steady juice dispensing system, while maintaining the fruit's integrity and usability post-extraction.
Implementation Method 1
the package comprises one or more films which are fluid-tight and which fully enclose a volume in which the product is sealingly retained
Implementation Method 2
the package is at least partially flexible to enable squeezing of the product to facilitate extraction of the liquid from said flesh portion
Implementation Method 3
said one or more films are made from food-grade plastics materials and are secured to each other about said periphery by one of, or a combination of, heat sealing or welding or adhesive or folds
Data Source
Figure 1~3b
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~10
AI summary
There is provided a pack (10) for a product (12) comprising a piece of fruit having a rind and a flesh portion containing a liquid in the form of juice. The product (12) is sealingly retained in a volume defined between two films (13, 14) which are sealingly connected around their periphery. The pack (10) has a first openable portion (16) from which the liquid/juice can be dispensed. The fruit product has one or more cuts (47) in its rind to facilitate the manipulation of the fruit to improve juice extraction.