Belt-Driven Tab Package Opening Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging solutions fail to provide an attractive, secure, and convenient opening mechanism that is equally accessible for all levels of dexterity, while also allowing for differentiated access to contents based on direction of opening.
Innovation Solution
A package design featuring a belt with first and second tab members attached by bonds that allow the tab members to move in opposite directions, with bonds positioned to enable movement in both directions from a closed position, and an asymmetric opening characteristic when bonds are offset, allowing for unique access to contents based on opening direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single tab member is used to open the package, then the structure is simple, but the ease of operation is reduced for users with limited dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The package opening mechanism is segmented into multiple independent tab members (first tab member and second tab member) that can be operated separately. Each tab member is attached to the belt at different positions, allowing users to open the package using either tab member independently, thereby improving ease of operation for users with limited dexterity while maintaining relatively simple structure through modular design
2Adaptability or versatility
If the belt is made very long to allow extensive movement of tab members, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The belt is designed with non-uniform length characteristics - longer portions are provided in specific regions where tab members need to move extensively, while shorter portions are used where minimal movement is required. This localized variation in belt length provides the necessary adaptability for different opening directions and user needs without unnecessarily increasing the overall device complexity
3Reliability
If bonds are positioned at the ends of the belt path to limit movement, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bond positions are designed to be dynamic rather than fixed at the extreme ends of the belt path. Bonds are positioned inwardly from the ends, creating a movable boundary that allows tab members to move freely within a safe range while preventing excessive movement that could compromise reliability. This dynamic positioning balances operational ease with structural reliability
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(c)
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(c)
AI summary
A package (10) comprising a belt (42) extending between a first end (37) and a second end (39) of a belt path; and first and second tab members (14, 16) attached to the belt (42) such that when the first tab member (14) is moved in a first direction, the second tab member (16) is driven by the belt (42) to move in a second direction different to the first direction. The tab members (14, 16) are attached to the belt (42) by respective bonds (45, 46), the movement of the tab members (14, 16) in either direction being delimited by at least one bond reaching an end of the belt path; and when at least one of the tab members is in a closed position, said bond is positioned inwardly from the ends of the belt path so that said tab member can move in both the first and second directions from the closed position before the bond reaches an end of the belt path to delimit said movement.