Reusable Textile Packaging with Virtual Pouch and Strap

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging methods and systems do not effectively utilize reusable and decontaminable materials, leading to waste and inefficiencies, particularly in industries like foodservices and healthcare.

Innovation Solution

A two-phase packaging method using reusable textile materials, where a textile article is first packaged in a textile bag and then the bag is wrapped in a folded sheet of textile material, secured with a strap, allowing for washing, heating, or both for decontamination and reuse.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If traditional packaging materials are used, then packaging functionality is achieved, but packaging waste increases and environmental sustainability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging wasteVSAvoidpackaging functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a reusable packaging system where textile bags and sheets are designed to be washed and reused multiple times. The textile bag contains the textile article, and both the bag and article can be removed, washed separately or together, and reused for subsequent packaging cycles, thereby recovering and reusing materials instead of discarding them after single use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The textile sheet serves multiple functions: it acts as an outer wrapper during packaging, provides a decontaminated surface for unpackaging operations, and can be reused for subsequent packaging cycles. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional packaging materials and supports waste reduction goals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of substance

If reusable textile materials are used for packaging, then packaging waste is reduced, but the complexity of decontamination processes increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging wasteVSAvoiddecontamination process

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging system is segmented into separable components: the textile bag, the textile article, and the outer textile sheet. This segmentation allows flexible decontamination options where components can be washed separately or together, simplifying the overall decontamination process while maintaining reusability of all components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging system is designed to be self-service capable during decontamination. The textile bag can be removed from the textile article, allowing the article to be washed independently or with the bag. The outer textile sheet can also be removed and washed separately, enabling simple, independent washing of each component without requiring complex integrated decontamination equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Duration of action of stationary object

If textile articles are packaged in reusable bags, then material reuse is enabled, but the risk of contamination during unpackaging increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial reuse durationVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The outer textile sheet is decontaminated in advance and laid flat on a surface before the packaging is opened. This preliminary preparation of a clean surface ensures that when the textile article is removed from the bag and placed on the sheet, it is placed on a pre-decontaminated surface, preventing contamination during the unpackaging process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The decontaminated outer textile sheet acts as an intermediary between the packaging system and the environment. By placing the textile article on this pre-decontaminated sheet during unpackaging, the sheet serves as a protective barrier that prevents contamination of the article from the surrounding environment or handling surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250083844A1Creating virtual pouch using tacking bar in reusable packaging methods and systems

Publication Date: 2025.03.13 RZ CIRCULAR LTD

AI summary

Packaging methods include inserting an article into a virtual pouch defined by folding and tacking a first sheet of textile material. The first sheet is then folded about the article such that the first sheet encompasses the article. A second sheet of a textile material is then folded about the first sheet into a configuration such that the second sheet entirely envelops and encloses the first sheet and the textile article. The second folded sheet is then secured in the enveloping configuration. Alternatively, the article is wrapped in and encompassed by a first sheet of textile material by folding and the resulting package is then enclosed within a virtual pouch created in a second sheet of textile material. The resulting outer sheet enclosing the inner sheet with the textile article is then secured in its enclosing configuration with a strap. The packaging materials can be cleaned and decontaminated for reuse.