Trapezoidal Infusion Packet with Gussets for Swelling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional infusion packets, such as tea bags, are limited in infusion performance due to their flat design restricting the movement of infusible materials, and double-chamber packets require excessive packaging material.
Innovation Solution
An infusion packet with a trapezoidal cross-section and two gussets that allows it to swell upon immersion, maintaining an upright position and facilitating faster infusion while minimizing packaging material usage, manufactured using a method involving a web of packaging material with creases forming the gussets and seals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional flat infusion packet is used, then the packet is simple to manufacture and handle, but the infusion performance is limited due to restricted movement of infusible material
Solution Approach 1:
The packet structure transitions from a flat two-dimensional configuration to a three-dimensional trapezoidal configuration with gussets that allow expansion. The sides are arranged at angles to define a compartment with trapezoidal cross-section, enabling the packet to swell upon immersion and allowing increased liquid flow around the infusible material while maintaining structural integrity.
2Productivity
If a double-chamber infusion packet is used, then faster infusion is achieved through increased water flow, but significantly more porous packet material is required
Solution Approach 1:
The packet is divided into two functional zones created by the gussets - an upper expansion zone and a lower substance collection zone. This segmentation allows the infusible material to concentrate at the bottom while the upper portion expands to facilitate water flow, achieving fast infusion without requiring excessive packaging material throughout the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the packet serve different functions: the gussets and upper portion are designed for expansion and water flow, while the lower portion concentrates the infusible material. This localized functional differentiation optimizes material usage by placing porous material only where needed for each specific function.
3Ease of operation
If an elongated sachet is used, then the sachet can be gripped and dipped, but a considerable amount of packaging material is required
Solution Approach 1:
The packet employs an asymmetric trapezoidal design with a wider base and narrower top, optimized for upright positioning in the infusion vessel. This asymmetric shape provides stability when dipped and gripped, while minimizing the overall material requirement compared to elongated symmetric designs.
4Productivity
If the packet swells upon immersion, then increased liquid flow is achieved, but the packet structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The packet structure is designed to be dynamic, transitioning from a compact flat state during storage and handling to an expanded three-dimensional state during infusion. The gussets enable this dynamic transformation, allowing the packet to swell upon immersion in liquid, thereby increasing liquid flow around the infusible material while maintaining structural integrity throughout the transition.
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 trapezoidal design enhances infusion performance by allowing increased liquid flow around the infusible material, maintaining the material submerged and upright, while the method reduces packaging waste and maintains premium product quality at a competitive cost.
Implementation Method 1
the packet can nonetheless swell upon immersion in an infusion liquid
Implementation Method 2
when steeped or soaked in water releases certain soluble substances into the liquid
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an infusion packet (51) comprising a top (52), a bottom (53), a first side (54) and a second side (55); wherein the bottom (53) of the packet is defined by a gusset (61) and each side (54, 55) of the packet is defined by a seal that extends between the top (52) and bottom (53) of the packet; the packet (51) being characterised in that the seals defining the sides (54, 55) are arranged such that the packet has a compartment with a substantially trapezoidal cross-section.