Thumb-Actuated Candy Box Slide Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thumb-actuated candy or mint boxes require customized machinery and more expensive material for high-speed production due to elongated flaps, making them costly and less suitable for mass production using conventional packaging techniques.
Innovation Solution
A package design featuring folding side panels connected into a tube with a slide mechanism that allows sideways sliding, using standard carton dimensions and conventional folding, enabling easy opening and closing with a thumb without obstructing the opening, and can be manufactured using existing high-speed packaging machinery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an elongated flap is used to cover the slide in a thumb-actuated box, then the slide opening mechanism works, but customized machinery is required and material cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the flap cover the slide opening from the outside, the invention inverts the approach by having the slide mechanism integrated into the flap structure itself. The slide is formed as part of the flap assembly, allowing it to cover the opening while being manufactured using standard folding techniques without requiring customized machinery or elongated flaps.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention makes the standard box flap serve multiple functions: it acts as both the closure element and the housing for the slide mechanism. By integrating the slide into the flap structure, the flap becomes a multi-functional component that performs both sealing and opening operations, eliminating the need for separate specialized components that would require custom manufacturing equipment.
2Ease of operation
If an elongated flap configuration is used, then the slide mechanism can be implemented, but the blank size and material cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the flap into distinct functional zones: a standard-sized base flap for closure and an integrated slide portion for opening. This segmentation allows the slide mechanism to be formed within the boundaries of a conventional blank size, eliminating the need for excessive material or elongated flap configurations while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention resolves the space conflict by utilizing the vertical dimension and folding geometry rather than extending the flap horizontally. The slide is positioned and oriented within the three-dimensional folded structure of the box, allowing it to function effectively without requiring a larger or elongated blank.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional folding and standard carton dimensions are used, then mass production with existing machinery is enabled, but the slide opening mechanism must be simplified
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the slide opening mechanism with the standard flap folding sequence used in conventional box construction. By combining these two functions into a single integrated flap assembly that follows standard folding patterns, the design maintains compatibility with existing high-speed packaging machinery while preserving full slide opening functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide mechanism is designed to be self-contained within the flap structure, using the flap's own movement and folding to activate the slide opening. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate actuation mechanisms or complex external components, allowing the box to be manufactured using standard equipment while maintaining convenient thumb-actuated operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A seal-end package or box for dispensing a solid pourable product includes folding major side panels foldably connected together extending laterally, and formed into a tube around a central axis. Further extending laterally is an overlapping panel similarly folded over and conforming to the tube. A slide is connected to the major side panels, with the overlapping panel having a cover panel with an opening. The slide obstructs the opening, until a thumb tab on the slide engaged by a user and moved laterally relative the axis un-obstructs the opening allowing dispensing of the product.