Bag-in-Box Container Structure for Tap Access and Cup Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current bag in box containers for liquid dispensing are inconvenient to use due to difficulties in accessing the tap dispenser, positioning the receptacle, and storing the dosing cup, as they often require complex handling and placement on uneven surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A bag in box container design featuring a removable tear strip for easy access to the tap dispenser, elevatable legs for convenient positioning on a flat surface, and a dosing cup holder to simplify storage and handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the tap dispenser is positioned near the bottom of the bag in box container to maximize liquid dispensing, then the liquid capacity is improved, but the receptacle cannot be positioned beneath the tap dispenser when placed on a flat surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid capacityVSAvoidreceptacle positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces elevatable legs that extend the container vertically from the flat surface, creating a new spatial dimension. This allows the receptacle to be positioned beneath the tap dispenser by elevating the entire container, rather than requiring the dispenser to be positioned high on the container body. The legs provide vertical adjustment that resolves the conflict between maximizing liquid capacity and enabling proper receptacle positioning.

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

2Volume of moving object

If the tap dispenser is in a retracted position between folds of the bag to save space, then the compactness is improved, but the consumer cannot easily find, grasp, and extend the tap dispenser

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer compactnessVSAvoidtap dispenser accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the front panel into a removable tear-off portion and a remaining panel. The tap dispenser is positioned behind the tear-off portion, which is removed by the consumer to provide access. This segmentation allows the dispenser to remain compact during storage while becoming easily accessible after the tear-off portion is removed, resolving the contradiction between compactness and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tear-off portion is pre-positioned to cover the tap dispenser during storage and transport. Before use, the consumer performs the preliminary action of removing the tear-off portion, which then provides clear access to the tap dispenser. This preliminary protective covering resolves the contradiction by maintaining compactness during storage while enabling easy access during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Volume of stationary object

If the consumer needs to find a receptacle in a remote location or storage cabinet to dispense liquid, then the liquid storage capacity is improved, but the time and effort to retrieve the receptacle increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid storage capacityVSAvoidreceptacle retrieval time
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the receptacle storage function with the container structure itself by providing a receptacle holder integrated into the container body. The holder is positioned to receive a receptacle and elevate it to the proper position beneath the tap dispenser. This merging of functions eliminates the need to separately locate and transport a receptacle from a remote storage location, resolving the contradiction between storage capacity and retrieval time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Volume of moving object

If the dosing cup is stored separately outside the container, then the container volume is improved, but the dosing cup can be misplaced and is not readily available for next use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer volumeVSAvoiddosing cup availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested arrangement where the dosing cup holder is integrated within the container structure, and the dosing cup is stored within or alongside the holder. This nesting ensures the dosing cup remains with the container and is readily available for the next use, while minimizing the additional volume required. The nested design resolves the contradiction between container volume and dosing cup availability by incorporating the cup storage within the existing structure rather than adding separate external storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP4005946B1Bag in box container and method therewith
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO
  • EP4005946B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4005946B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4005946B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A bag in box container having one or more features for lifting the bag in box, deploying the tap dispenser of the bag in box conveniently, storing a dosing cup, or conveniently using the bag in box container.