Two-Color Hollow Confection Shell With Seamless Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing confections, such as those described in Utility Patent Application Publication No. S53-110977 and WO 2015/124642 A1, lack interest value and ease of handling, particularly when consumed alone.

Innovation Solution

A confection is manufactured with a hollow spherical body composed of two hemispherical shell portions in different colors, connected seamlessly at a connecting portion, allowing easy separation and containing a hidden container with an article, using a manufacturing process that involves simultaneous filling, molding, and connecting steps on a conveyance path.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two hemispherical capsules are combined to form a spherical confection, then the confection can accommodate articles inside, but the confection breaks easily when removing the capsules reducing interest value

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to accommodate articlesVSAvoidstructural integrity during capsule removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spherical confection is divided into two hemispherical shell portions connected at the equator, allowing the article to be accessed by separating the hemispheres rather than breaking the entire structure. This segmentation enables reliable article removal while preserving the confection's structural integrity and aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If the confection is made as a simple capsule shape, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the interest value when consumed alone is unsatisfactory

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of manufacturing processVSAvoidinterest value for consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The confection features local quality differentiation through two distinct hemispherical shell portions with different colors and flavors, creating visual and taste interest. This local differentiation enhances the consumption experience without requiring complex manufacturing processes, as each hemisphere can be independently molded and then assembled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If the connecting portion has a step structure, then the molding process is simpler, but the outer peripheral surface has steps reducing handleability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of molding processVSAvoidhandleability of the confection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting portion is designed with a smooth, continuous outer peripheral surface that transitions dynamically between the two hemispherical shell portions. This dynamic design eliminates abrupt steps while maintaining the structural connection, providing excellent handleability and aesthetic appearance without significantly complicating the molding process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4454474B1Method for making confections
Publication Date: 2026.05.13 BANDAI CO LTD
  • EP4454474B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4454474B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4454474B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A confection comprises a main body, which is in a spherical shape and hollow, wherein the main body includes a first outer shell portion in a first color and a second outer shell portion in a second color, which is different from the first color, and a connecting portion between the first outer shell portion and the second outer shell portion has an outer peripheral surface without any step.