Shrink Packaging Perforated Extraction Zone
Solution Overview
Problem
Current shrink packaging for containers is impractical for consumers buying single items, as it requires breaking the packaging to access a container, leading to instability and litter, and is difficult to handle and transport, compromising protection and maintenance of remaining containers.
Innovation Solution
A shrink wrapper with an incision line comprising a series of perforations on the periphery of the central zone, allowing partial detachment to extract a container while maintaining lateral support, ensuring the packaging remains intact and stable for transporting the rest of the containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the packaging is designed to allow extraction of a single container, then consumer convenience is improved, but the packaging structure becomes unstable and difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging is segmented into a central zone containing incisions for container extraction and a peripheral zone that remains intact to maintain structural stability. This segmentation allows consumers to easily extract containers while the peripheral zone continues to support the remaining containers during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
Different zones of the packaging are assigned different functions: the central zone is designed with incisions to facilitate container extraction, while the peripheral zone maintains full integrity to provide structural support. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between ease of extraction and overall stability.
2Ease of operation
If the packaging is torn open to extract containers, then access to containers is improved, but the remaining packaging can no longer adequately protect or contain the other containers
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging is divided into a central zone where incisions allow controlled extraction and a peripheral zone that remains intact to maintain protection capability. This ensures that container access is facilitated without compromising the protective function of the remaining packaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The incisions are pre-formed in the central zone during manufacturing, allowing consumers to easily extract containers without tearing or damaging the peripheral zone. This preliminary preparation enables reliable container access while preserving packaging protection.
3Ease of operation
If incisions are made in the packaging to facilitate container removal, then ease of use is improved, but the packaging becomes prone to immediate tearing and loss of support
Solution Approach 1:
The incisions are confined to the central zone, separating the ease-of-removal function from the structural support function located in the peripheral zone. This segmentation allows container removal while preserving packaging strength through the intact peripheral zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The central zone is locally modified with incisions to improve ease of operation, while the peripheral zone maintains its original strength and support properties. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between ease of removal and overall packaging strength.
4Ease of operation
If the packaging is designed for single-container extraction, then consumer convenience is improved, but litter and clutter increase due to torn packaging pieces
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging is segmented so that only the central zone is detached during container extraction, while the peripheral zone remains intact and reusable. This reduces litter by minimizing torn packaging pieces and allowing the peripheral zone to be easily disposed of or reused as a carrier.
5Ease of operation
If the packaging structure is weakened to allow container extraction, then ease of use is improved, but the risk of containers falling from high pallets increases
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging structure is segmented into a central zone with incisions for extraction and a peripheral zone that maintains full structural integrity. This ensures that container extraction is facilitated without weakening the overall packaging strength needed to prevent containers from falling during storage and transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The central zone is locally modified to improve ease of extraction, while the peripheral zone maintains full strength to prevent container falling. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between ease of use and safety.
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
Facilitates easy extraction of a container while maintaining the integrity and stability of the packaging, allowing for secure handling and transport of the remaining containers, reducing the risk of rupture and litter, and enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
shrink wrap...heat shrinking said shrink wrap to hold said containers tightly together
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to shrink packaging (1) for packing a series of containers (2). The packaging is characterised in that at least one incision line is provided in a first zone (3), said incision line including a series of perforations forming at least one partially detachable section (4) arranged to allow the extraction of at least one container (2) in a direction extending substantially from the lower part of the container (2) to the upper part thereof, said partially detachable packaging section (4) being larger than the cross-section of the at least one container (2) to be extracted. Moreover, the partially detachable section (4) is located on the periphery of the first zone (3).