Cardboard Packaging Insert With Locking Tabs for Built-In Compartments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging inserts, particularly those made of plastic, are costly to produce due to the need for new tools for design changes and raise sustainability concerns, while cardboard inserts face challenges in machine production and require separate plastic partitions.

Innovation Solution

A packaging insert design featuring locking tabs and internal side walls that divide the receiving space into compartments, made from environmentally friendly materials like paper or cardboard, eliminating the need for separate partitions and allowing machine production in various embodiments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If plastic packaging inserts are used, then production cost is reduced and durability is improved, but sustainability is worsened and adaptability to design changes is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidadaptability to design changes
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging insert is divided into modular components: a base structure with receiving openings and detachable container elements. This segmentation allows different container configurations to be used with the same base, enabling design adaptability while maintaining production efficiency. The modular design lets manufacturers switch between different container types without retooling the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If cardboard packaging inserts are used, then sustainability is improved, but machine production capability is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesustainabilityVSAvoidmachine production capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cardboard packaging insert features pre-assembled structural elements with predetermined folding lines and attachment points. The base structure is pre-formed with receiving openings, and containers are designed with pre-attached connection elements. This preliminary preparation enables automated assembly machines to efficiently join components without complex manual intervention, overcoming the machine production challenges of traditional cardboard inserts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If separate plastic partitions are added to cardboard inserts, then compartmentalization is improved, but material usage is worsened and assembly complexity is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecompartmentalizationVSAvoidmaterial usage
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The partition walls are integrated directly into the container structures rather than being separate elements. Each container includes its own partition walls formed as part of the container body, eliminating the need for additional standalone partition components. This merging of functions reduces material consumption and simplifies assembly, as partitions are already positioned and attached when containers are placed in the base structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4699948A1Packaging insert, packaging and blank for producing a packaging insert
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 MAYR MELNHOF KARTON
  • EP4699948A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4699948A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4699948A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a packaging insert (10) comprising at least one bottom wall (12), at least one top wall (14) with at least two receiving openings (46) for receiving goods, and side walls (16, 18) connecting the bottom and top walls (12, 14) to form a receiving space (20), wherein the receiving space (20) can be subdivided into several sub-spaces (22). The partial spaces (22) are each bounded by means of locking tabs (24, 26) hinged to the lid wall (14) via at least one bending line (90, 92) and inner side walls (38, 42) arranged within the receiving space (20), wherein the locking tabs (24, 26) are designed to engage with locking openings (32) formed in the bottom wall (12) and the bending line (90, 92) between lid wall (14) and locking tab (24, 26) limits the extent of the receiving opening (46) in this area.The inner side walls (38, 42) are designed as partial elements of an inner partition wall (34). The invention further relates to a blank (100) made of paper, cardboard or similar materials for the production of a packaging insert (10).