Tactile Package Features for Product Recognition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing blister packages and similar packaging structures fail to effectively enhance consumer recognition of product features contained within, despite the use of visual indicia and embossments.

Innovation Solution

The modification of blister packs and other packages with tactile features that match the shape of the device features, such as embossments or textured grips, to provide consumers with a tactile understanding of the product's components, including razor cartridges, toothbrushes, and other hand-held devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If visual indicia and embossments are used on blister packages, then consumer recognition of products is improved, but the tactile understanding of product features is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconsumer recognition of product featuresVSAvoidtactile understanding of product features
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates tactile copies of the actual device features on the package surface. Raised embossments are formed on the package that replicate the shape, size, and configuration of the device features (blades, lubricating members, guard members, grip features). This allows consumers to tactilely examine and understand the product features through the package without opening it, effectively copying the sensory experience of handling the actual product.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Illumination intensity

If the package is made clear to expose interior contents, then product visibility is improved, but tactile interaction with product features is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct visibility through clear packageVSAvoidtactile interaction with product features
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces tactile features on the package surface as an intermediary between the consumer and the actual product. These embossed features serve as a mediator that allows tactile exploration of product characteristics without direct contact with the product itself. The intermediary tactile representation bridges the gap between visual transparency and tactile interaction, enabling consumers to understand product features through touch while the clear package maintains visual visibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3080005B1Package comprising a tactile element
Publication Date: 2018.08.29 THE GILLETTE CO
  • EP3080005B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3080005B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3080005B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A package containing a device, having one or more features thereon. The package includes a primary face having one or more tactile features, said tactile feature(s) correspond to one of more of similar features on the device.