Box Flap Fastener With Integrated Cutter for Tool-Free Repacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fasteners for fixing double-door type flaps of cardboard boxes require additional tools like scissors or cutters for unpacking and repacking, making the process inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A fastener comprising a receiving part, a pressing part, and a linking part with insertion areas and a cutter part, allowing the flaps to be fixed in a closed state without needing additional tools, featuring curvable tab parts for easy gripping and rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fastener is used to fix the flaps of a cardboard box, then the flaps can be securely closed, but additional tools like scissors or cutters are needed for unpacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cutter and the fastener into a single integrated tool. The cutter portion can cut through packing tape to open the box, while the fastener portion can then be used to secure the flaps in a closed state. This eliminates the need to switch between separate cutting tools and fastening tools, resolving the contradiction by making both functions available in one device.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener is designed with multiple functions: it can cut tape (cutter function), it can secure flaps in a closed state (fastening function), and it can be used both for unpacking and repacking operations. This multi-functionality allows a single tool to replace multiple separate tools, improving ease of operation while maintaining reliable flap fixation.
2Reliability
If tape is applied to fix the flap in a closed state, then the flap can be securely closed, but the tape must be reapplied each time the flap is opened and closed
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is attached to the box in advance (before the flaps need to be opened and closed). This preliminary attachment allows the user to simply open and close the flaps without needing to reapply any fastening mechanism. The pre-attached fastener remains in place, eliminating the repetitive action of reapplying tape or other fastening materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener design allows the flaps to be secured through their own insertion into the fastener structure, without requiring additional materials like tape. The fastener itself provides the securing mechanism, and the flaps serve their own fastening function by being inserted into the appropriate slots or openings of the fastener.
3Reliability
If a fastener with insertion areas is used to fix the flaps, then the flaps can be secured, but the fastener cannot be used for cutting tape during unpacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cutter functionality with the fastener structure. The cutter portion is integrated into the same device that contains the insertion areas for securing flaps. This allows the user to first use the cutter to open the packing tape, then use the fastener portion to secure the flaps, all with a single tool, thus achieving both flap fixation and unpacking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener is designed as a universal tool that can perform both cutting and fastening operations. The device includes a cutter portion for cutting tape and a fastener portion with insertion areas for securing flaps. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the fastener adaptable to both unpacking and repacking operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener is configured to fix a pair of opposing flaps of a box in a closed state. The fastener includes a receiving part, a pressing part opposing the receiving part, a linking part interposed between the receiving part and the pressing part, spaces on both sides of the linking part between the receiving part and the pressing part constituting insertion areas into which the flaps of the box are to be inserted, and a cutter part on the receiving part, the pressing part, or the linking part.