Rounded Edge Packaging Blank Using Angled Crease Lines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing three-dimensional structures with rounded edge areas, such as packaging boxes, require numerous cuts and are time-consuming and expensive due to the need for complex cutting tools and energy-intensive laser processes.

Innovation Solution

A blank with parallel lateral fold lines and angled score lines that intersect or abut the fold lines, allowing for the creation of rounded edges with significantly fewer creasing lines, which can be produced using laser energy or punching, reducing tool preparation time and energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a multitude of cuts are used to create rounded edges, then rounded edge areas can be formed, but tool preparation time and manufacturing cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverounded edge areaVSAvoidtool preparation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The folding surface is divided into multiple sub-areas by the crease line, where each sub-area can be independently folded to contribute to the formation of the rounded edge area. This segmentation allows the complex rounded shape to be achieved through simpler individual folds rather than requiring numerous cuts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solution transitions from a two-dimensional pattern of multiple parallel cut lines to a three-dimensional structure where a single angled crease line creates multiple folded sub-areas that collectively form the rounded edge. This dimensional transformation reduces the number of manufacturing operations required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Shape

If a multitude of cuts are used to create rounded edges, then rounded edge areas can be formed, but manufacturing cost increases due to complex cutting tools

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverounded edge areaVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The folding surface is divided into multiple sub-areas by the crease line, where each sub-area can be independently folded to contribute to the formation of the rounded edge area. This segmentation allows the complex rounded shape to be achieved through simpler individual folds rather than requiring numerous cuts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the essential function of creating rounded edges from the complex multitude of parallel cut lines and achieves it through a single angled crease line combined with folding. This extraction simplifies the manufacturing process by removing unnecessary cutting operations while preserving the desired geometric outcome.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Stability of the object's composition

If numerous parallel fold lines are used in conventional blanks, then structural integrity is maintained, but production speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidproduction speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The folding surface is divided into multiple sub-areas by the crease line, where each sub-area can be independently folded to contribute to the formation of the rounded edge area. This segmentation allows the complex rounded shape to be achieved through simpler individual folds rather than requiring numerous cuts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameter of crease line orientation from parallel to the lateral fold lines (conventional approach) to angled relative to the lateral fold lines (innovative approach). This parameter change enables the formation of rounded edges with fewer crease lines while maintaining structural integrity through the geometric arrangement of the angled folds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach reduces production time and costs by 25-75% compared to conventional methods, enabling faster and more cost-effective production of three-dimensional structures with rounded edge areas, while allowing for precise and quick design changes without new tools.

Implementation Method 1

the lateral fold lines and the creasing line are produced using laser energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

considerably less laser energy is required to produce the crease line according to the invention

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentEP3103740B1Blank and three-dimensional structure made from the same
Publication Date: 2019.02.20 MAYR MELNHOF KARTON
  • EP3103740B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3103740B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present invention relates to a blank (10) for producing a three-dimensional structure made of paper, cardboard, or plastic, in particular. The invention further relates to a three-dimensional structure produced from the blank, a folding box for storing goods, in particular a folding box made of cardboard, paper, or the like, and a method for producing the blank (10).