Articulatable Bag-in-Box Tap Access Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bag-in-box packaging systems often present difficulties for users in coupling the tap to the outer box, leading to usability issues and potential dislodgment, with the tap orientation being hard to reach and the opening in the box being too small for deep access.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an articulatable portion hingedly coupled to the outer box's walls, allowing the tap to be extended and made accessible through an opening in the front portion, with a locking flap to maintain the collapsed configuration, and an outer cap to cover the articulatable portion, enabling easier access and secure positioning of the tap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tap is inserted directly into the outer box through a small opening, then the structure is simple, but the user cannot easily access or couple the tap to the box
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an articulatable portion that can rotate between a collapsed orientation (during shipping) and an articulated configuration (during use). This dynamic element allows the tap to be accessed and coupled to the box while maintaining a compact form during transport, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulatable portion extends the effective width of the opening by utilizing the third dimension (depth of the box). When articulated, it creates a larger access path for the user's hand to reach the tap, effectively increasing the opening size without increasing the footprint of the box.
2Ease of operation
If the opening in the box is made larger to allow deep access to the tap, then user accessibility improves, but the structural integrity and compactness of the box deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The articulatable portion is a dynamic structure that extends only when needed for tap access. In the collapsed orientation, it maintains a compact profile that preserves the box's structural integrity. When articulated, it creates the necessary access path without permanently altering the box structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulatable portion is nested within the confines of the box structure when collapsed, and only extends outward when needed for tap access. This nesting approach allows the box to maintain its compact form while providing access when required.
3Volume of stationary object
If the tap is positioned in a compact orientation for shipping, then the box is more compact, but the tap becomes difficult to reach and couple
Solution Approach 1:
The articulatable portion transitions from a collapsed orientation (compact for shipping) to an articulated configuration (accessible for coupling). This dynamic transformation allows the system to maintain compactness during transport while providing ease of operation during the coupling process.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulatable portion is pre-positioned in a collapsed orientation for compact shipping, but the design anticipates the need for access by providing a mechanism to articulate it when needed. The locking flap mechanism is pre-configured to secure the tap once coupled, ensuring ease of operation at the appropriate stage.
4Ease of operation
If the articulatable portion is designed to extend for tap access, then user accessibility improves, but the risk of dislodgment during use increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking flap mechanism is pre-configured to secure the tap to the articulatable portion once it is in the articulated configuration. This preliminary preparation of the locking mechanism ensures that the tap is securely held in place, preventing dislodgment while maintaining ease of access.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking flap automatically engages with the tap to secure it in place once the articulatable portion is articulated. This self-securing mechanism reduces the risk of dislodgment without requiring additional user intervention, thereby maintaining both accessibility and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An outer box for a bag in box packaging includes a plurality of walls and an articulatable portion. The articulatable portion is hingedly coupled to each of the dispensing wall, the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The articulatable portion also includes a front portion, a first side webbing and a second side webbing. Inward rotation of the front portion causes the first and second panels of each of the first and second side webbing to rotate about a respective one of the central folds thereof. An outer surface of each of the first and second panels face each other, with the articulated portion overlying a portion of the first panel of each of the first side webbing and second side webbing.