Transparent Container Insert Using Static Friction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packaging methods for consumer products are costly due to the need for opaque containers with exterior printed labels or sleeves, and transparent plastic containers are not typically used to display internal printed elements effectively.
Innovation Solution
A transparent container with a printed insert that utilizes stiffness, static friction, and static cling to securely hold the insert in place without additional fastening materials, allowing printed elements to be visible through the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If transparent plastic containers are used to display internal printed elements, then visual appeal and product visibility are improved, but the printed elements cannot be effectively displayed or secured without additional fastening materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the printed insert with the container structure by integrating fastening features directly into the insert design. The insert includes tabs that engage with slots in the container, merging the labeling function with the structural securing function into a single integrated component.
Solution Approach 2:
The printed insert is designed to be self-securing through its own structural features. The tabs and slots create a self-locking mechanism that secures the insert to the container without requiring external fastening materials, labels, or sleeves.
2Loss of information
If exterior printed labels or sleeves are used on opaque containers, then product information and decoration are provided, but packaging cost and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the printed elements from separate exterior labels or sleeves and integrates them directly into the container structure as an insert. This eliminates the need for separate labeling components and their associated manufacturing and assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The printed insert serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides product information, decorative elements, and structural securing all in one component. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate labels, sleeves, or fastening materials.
3Illumination intensity
If internal printed elements are secured to the inside of transparent packages, then the elements are visible through the container, but additional securing materials and assembly steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the printed insert with the container structure by integrating fastening features directly into the insert design. The tabs that engage with slots in the container combine the information display function with the structural securing function in a single integrated component.
Solution Approach 2:
The printed insert is designed to be self-securing through its own structural features. The tabs and slots create a self-locking mechanism that secures the insert to the container without requiring external fastening materials, labels, or sleeves.
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
This solution reduces packaging costs by eliminating the need for exterior labels or sleeves and provides a visually appealing display of internal printed elements through the transparent container, suitable for product, gift, and food packaging.
Implementation Method 1
The container and insert material are chosen to take advantage of inherent properties including stiffness, static friction and static cling such that no further fastening material is needed to secure the insert inside the container.
Implementation Method 2
In addition to the stiffness of the insert, static friction and electrostatic cling may be used to hold the insert in place within the package.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the subject invention are directed to a transparent container with an insert that maintains its form and position when fit snugly inside of the container. The container and insert material are chosen to take advantage of inherent properties including stiffness, static friction and static cling such that no further fastening material, such as glue, is needed to secure the insert inside the container.