Two-Layer Food Packaging With Movable Meal Information Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food packaging for varied meal options, such as different versions of burgers, fails to distinguish between variations after packaging, leading to increased complexity and cost due to perforated sections requiring complex production.
Innovation Solution
A two-layer food packaging design with movable information fields that can be opened or closed to reveal specific meal properties, allowing easy adaptation and identification without tools, using sheets of paper or parchment paper substitutes for cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If perforated sections are added to the packaging to indicate different meal versions, then the packaging can be adapted to different dish variations, but the production complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging information is segmented into multiple flaps, each representing a different meal version (e.g., classic, vegetarian, spicy). Each flap can be independently opened or closed, allowing the packaging to display only the relevant information for the packaged dish version without requiring complex production processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging transitions from a static design to a dynamic one where flaps can be opened or closed based on the dish version. This dynamic capability allows the same packaging to adapt to different meal variations without requiring multiple different packaging designs, thus reducing production complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Loss of information
If multiple information fields are included on the packaging, then all dish variations can be identified, but the packaging design becomes more complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple information fields are segmented into separate flaps rather than being combined in a complex layout. Each flap contains information for one dish version and can be independently managed, simplifying the overall packaging structure while ensuring all necessary information is available.
Solution Approach 2:
Each flap has a distinct local quality with contrasting colors and simple graphical representations specific to its dish version. This allows each information field to be clearly identified and understood without requiring complex overall design, maintaining simplicity while providing comprehensive information.
3Ease of manufacture
If the same packaging is used for different dish versions, then production costs are reduced, but the different versions cannot be distinguished after packaging
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging uses dynamic flaps that can be opened or closed during the packaging process to reveal or hide specific information. This allows the same simple packaging structure to convey different information for different dish versions, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while preventing information loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The appropriate flap is opened or closed in advance during the packaging process before the package reaches the consumer. This preliminary action ensures that only the relevant information for the specific dish version is visible, maintaining clear identification without requiring complex packaging designs.
4Productivity
If contrasting colors are used for information fields, then identification of open fields is faster, but the packaging design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Each flap uses a distinct contrasting color and simple graphical representation specific to its dish version. This local differentiation allows for rapid identification of the relevant information field without requiring complex overall design, as each flap is self-contained and easily distinguishable.
Solution Approach 2:
Different colors are assigned to different flaps to represent different dish versions (e.g., red for spicy, green for vegetarian). This use of color changes provides immediate visual identification of the relevant information field, increasing productivity without adding significant design complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
Food packaging (10) with an information unit (12) comprising a lower layer (14), an upper layer (16) arranged on the lower layer (14) and at least one information area (22, 24), wherein at least one information field (26) is arranged in the at least one information area (22, 24), wherein in each of the at least one information field (26) the lower layer (14) has a lower information field (28) and the upper layer (16) has an upper information field (30), and wherein the at least one information field (26) can be brought from a closed state in which the upper information field (30) covers the lower information field (28) to an open state in which the upper information field (30) reveals the lower information field (28).