Box Flap Design for Grip and Visibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-pack boxes lack dedicated gripping features, leading to accidental damage during handling and transportation, and they also fail to provide visibility into their contents without being fully opened, resulting in increased manufacturing and materials costs.
Innovation Solution
A box design with cutouts in the top end, formed by cooperating major and minor flaps, which guides users to grip the reinforced minor flaps rather than the major flaps, preventing damage and allowing for improved viewability of contents without fully opening the box.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users grip the major flaps to lift the box, then the box can be carried, but the major flaps may be damaged or the box may be inadvertently opened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces minor flaps as intermediary gripping elements between the user and the major flaps. These minor flaps are positioned at the top end of the box and can be gripped without directly contacting the major flaps, thus preventing damage to the major flaps while still enabling easy lifting and carrying of the box.
Solution Approach 2:
The top end of the box is segmented into multiple flaps (major flaps and minor flaps) with distinct functions. The minor flaps are specifically designed as gripping elements, while the major flaps serve as structural components for sealing and opening the box. This segmentation allows users to interact with the minor flaps for lifting without compromising the integrity of the major flaps.
2Loss of information
If perforated panels are provided to allow access to contents, then visibility is improved, but the box structure becomes more complex and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The minor flaps serve multiple functions: they provide gripping surfaces for lifting the box, and they also allow users to peer through to view the contents without fully opening the box. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate perforated panels or viewing windows, maintaining simple box structure while achieving both gripping and visibility goals.
3Ease of operation
If handles are included within the box accessible through openings, then gripping is improved, but the blank structure becomes more complex and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The minor flaps themselves serve as the gripping elements without requiring additional handles or structural modifications. The flaps are formed as integral parts of the box blank, utilizing the existing material and structure to provide ergonomic gripping surfaces. This self-service approach avoids the need for separate handle components or complex blank designs.
Data Source
AI summary
A box includes at least four side panels. A first minor panel includes a first minor flap. A first major panel includes a first major flap. A second minor panel includes a second minor flap. A second major panel includes a second major flap. The box also includes a top end and a bottom end. The top end includes the first and second minor flaps and the first and second major flaps. The first minor flap is positioned opposite the second minor flap, and the first major flap is positioned opposite the second major flap. Portions of the first and second major flaps overlie portions of the first and second minor flaps. An opening extends through portions of the first and second major flaps between the first and second minor flaps. The opening extends the entire distance between opposing peripheral edges of the first and second major panels.