Thermal regulating lay flat beverage container packaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current packaging methods for beverage containers, such as wine and beer bottles, lack effective temperature regulation during transit, leading to potential spoilage and damage.

Innovation Solution

A beverage container packing tray system that includes contoured compartments for lay-flat configuration and integrated thermo pack compartments to house transport thermo packs, providing temperature control and protection during shipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional packaging materials (bubble wrap, Styrofoam, popcorn) are used to secure beverage containers, then the containers are protected during transit, but temperature regulation is not provided leading to potential spoilage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer protectionVSAvoidtemperature control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines traditional protective packaging functions with temperature regulation by integrating thermo packs into the packaging structure. The thermo packs are positioned within the packaging tray to simultaneously provide thermal insulation and physical protection, merging two previously separate functions into a unified system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging tray is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for the beverage containers, offers cushioning protection, and incorporates thermo packs for temperature regulation. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate protective materials and thermal control devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If beverage containers are packaged upright for transit, then they are easily secured, but they cannot be efficiently stacked and transported in flat configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport efficiencyVSAvoidcontainer securing

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from upright (vertical) container positioning to horizontal (flat) positioning, utilizing the horizontal dimension for efficient stacking and transport. The packaging tray is specifically designed with contours that accommodate containers in this horizontal orientation, enabling space-optimized stacking in shipping containers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging tray incorporates contoured compartments with curved surfaces that cradle the beverage containers horizontally. These contours provide secure positioning and protection while maintaining the flat configuration, using curvature to adapt to the container shapes in the horizontal position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Reliability

If molded paper pulp trays are used to secure multiple bottles, then the containers are protected and organized, but temperature control capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer securingVSAvoidtemperature regulation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the protective securing function of molded paper pulp trays with temperature regulation by integrating thermo packs into the tray structure. The thermo packs are positioned to contact the containers while the molded tray provides structural support and protection, combining both functions in one system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 system effectively regulates temperature and reduces damage to beverage containers by maintaining environmental conditions and absorbing impact forces, ensuring the integrity and quality of the contents during transit.

Implementation Method 1

The beverage container packing tray may include at least one transport thermo pack compartment configured to house one or more transport thermo packs adjacent to at least a portion of the beverage containers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal energy absorption and release: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

The beverage container contoured compartments may include at least a cradle element, a conical element, and a neck support element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force distribution: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS11685570B2Thermal regulating lay flat beverage container packaging

Publication Date: 2023.06.27 ACORN WEST LLC

AI summary

Beverage container packing trays, systems, and techniques of packing beverage containers include at least a beverage container tray including beverage container contoured compartments configured to receive one or more beverage containers in a lay flat configuration. The beverage container contoured compartments include at least a cradle element, a conical element, and a neck support element. The beverage container tray includes thermo pack compartments that house transport thermo packs adjacent to at least a portion of the beverage containers.