Tactile Pattern Liquid Food Package Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid food packages lack clear handling and gripping instructions, leading to potential spills and difficulties for users with visual defects, and the current solutions may not be universally applicable across different package sizes and designs.
Innovation Solution
A carton-based package with a tactile pattern on the outer surface, designed to guide user grip and reduce spill risk, featuring recessed portions that match the size and shape of a hand, and an offset opening arrangement to prevent incorrect gripping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a tactile pattern is added to the outside surface of the package to indicate gripping area and enhance decor graphics, then user handling and visual appeal are improved, but the manufacturing complexity and sterilization difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tactile pattern is integrated directly into the packaging material during the forming process, combining the gripping indication function with the package structure itself. The pattern is formed by varying the depth of compression during thermforming, creating tactile relief without adding separate components or post-processing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The tactile pattern is created by modifying the compression depth parameter during the thermforming process. Areas with deeper compression create raised tactile elements, while areas with lighter compression remain smooth. This parameter variation allows a single manufacturing process to produce both the package shape and the tactile gripping indicators.
2Ease of operation
If a tactile pattern is compressed into the packaging material, then gripping indication is improved, but the interior surface becomes uneven affecting sterilization
Solution Approach 1:
The compression process applies different pressures to different areas of the packaging material. The exterior surface receives deeper compression to create tactile patterns, while the interior surface receives lighter compression to remain smooth. This localized quality differentiation allows the same material to have contrasting surface properties on opposite sides.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating tactile patterns on the interior surface and risking sterilization issues, the tactile patterns are inverted to the exterior surface. The raised tactile elements face outward for user interaction, while the interior surface remains smooth and sterilizable, effectively solving the contradiction by reversing which surface has the texture.
3Shape
If the opening arrangement is positioned at the top center of the package, then packaging symmetry is maintained, but user grip and pouring control are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The opening arrangement is deliberately positioned asymmetrically at the front of the package rather than at the top center. This asymmetric placement allows users to naturally grip the package from the back and side, providing better control during pouring while the tactile pattern on the opposite side maintains visual balance.
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 tactile pattern enhances user handling and reduces spillage by providing a clear gripping area while maintaining an even interior surface for sterilization, and the offset opening arrangement ensures efficient and spill-safe pouring.
Implementation Method 1
Said tactile pattern is manufactured in the packaging material through compression of at least the layer of carton
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a package for enclosing a liquid food product. The package comprises an area having a tactile pattern for at least for indicating intended user grip and/or enhancing décor graphics. The invention also relates to a blank, a reel of blanks and a method of generating the tactile pattern.