Three-Pack Beverage Box With Integrated Telescoping Panels

Solution Overview

Problem

Current packaging for beverage distribution, particularly for fragile glass bottles, is inefficient due to the time-consuming assembly process of separate cardboard inserts in mass production, which complicates the formation of individual protective cells within the box.

Innovation Solution

A collapsible and foldable packaging system comprising a blank with wing portions, telescoping panels, and hinges that can be assembled into a box configuration to enclose and protect beverage containers efficiently, allowing for easy erection and closure, thereby simplifying the packaging process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate cardboard inserts are manufactured and assembled into the box, then individual protective cells for bottles are formed, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of fragile bottlesVSAvoidassembly process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The box is divided into separate compartments or cells by partitions that are integrated into the box structure itself, rather than using separate inserts. Each partition creates individual protective spaces for bottles, achieving segmentation of the interior space while maintaining structural integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The protective cell structure is merged with the box structure by forming partitions as integral parts of the box walls. The partitions are created by folding or shaping the box material itself, combining the container function with the protective compartmentalization function in a single integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If separate cardboard inserts are assembled into the box, then individual protective cells are formed, but the assembly time increases during mass production

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of fragile bottlesVSAvoidassembly speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The partitions are pre-formed as integral parts of the box structure during box manufacturing, rather than being assembled separately during packaging. The box is designed and manufactured with built-in partition structures that automatically create protective cells when the box is assembled or opened.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The protective cell structure is merged with the box structure by forming partitions as integral parts of the box walls. The partitions are created by folding or shaping the box material itself, combining the container function with the protective compartmentalization function in a single integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If additional cardboard inserts are used to create separate cells, then bottle protection is improved, but material usage and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of fragile bottlesVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The protective cell structure is merged with the box structure by forming partitions as integral parts of the box walls. The partitions are created by folding or shaping the box material itself, combining the container function with the protective compartmentalization function in a single integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The box structure serves multiple functions: it contains the beverages, provides structural support, and creates protective compartments through its integrated partition design. The same material and structure that forms the box exterior also forms the internal protective cells, eliminating the need for separate insert components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11780642B2Three-pack beverage box

Publication Date: 2023.10.10 PRATT CORRUGATED HOLDINGS INC

AI summary

A blank includes a front panel; a wing portion coupled to the front panel by a wing hinge, the wing portion including an attachment panel disposed opposite from the wing hinge, the attachment panel configured to couple to the front panel to at least partially form a cavity between the front panel and the wing portion; a lower telescoping panel coupled to the front panel by a lower telescoping hinge; and an upper telescoping panel coupled to the lower telescoping panel by an upper telescoping hinge, the upper telescoping panel and the lower telescoping panel configured to fold into the cavity in a closed configuration to at least partially enclose the cavity.