Cardboard Lid Holding Clamp for Stable Box Filling and Stacking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cardboard box lids tend to pop open and stick up, hindering stackability and obstructing filling processes due to inadequate securing mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A holding device comprising planar elements with a connecting element that creates a clamping effect, securely positioning cardboard lids by allowing slight inclination and variable spacing to accommodate cardboard thickness, with optional features like non-slip coatings, springs, and sensor elements for data recording.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If cardboard box lids are left open for filling or storage, then access and handling are easier, but stackability is reduced and lids may inadvertently close obstructing processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of filling and storageVSAvoidlid position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The holding device is designed to be self-applied by simply placing it on the box lid without requiring tools or complex operations. The device automatically maintains the lid in the desired position through its geometric clamping action, providing self-service functionality that improves ease of operation while ensuring reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The holding device is applied in advance to secure the lid position before filling or storage operations begin. This preliminary action prevents lids from inadvertently closing during subsequent processes, maintaining both ease of operation and reliability throughout the workflow

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If tape or interlocking mechanisms are used to secure lids, then lid position stability is improved, but device complexity and handling difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelid position stabilityVSAvoidsecuring mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding device is designed as a simple, inexpensive tool that can be quickly applied and removed without degradation. Its geometric design requires no complex mechanisms, tape, or interlocking parts, achieving lid position stability through pure form and function rather than complex securing mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the essential function of lid securing from complex mechanisms (tape, interlocking systems) and reduces it to a simple geometric clamping action. By removing unnecessary complexity and retaining only the core stabilizing function, the device achieves reliability with minimal structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Manufacturing precision

If a fixed-distance holding device is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to different cardboard thicknesses is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding device dimensional precisionVSAvoidadaptability to cardboard thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The holding device incorporates adjustability that allows the distance between clamping surfaces to be varied according to the specific cardboard thickness being held. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same device to adapt to different box sizes and lid thicknesses while maintaining precise holding, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The device effectively prevents lids from opening, enhances stackability, simplifies filling and storage processes, and provides data logging capabilities for quality assurance and inventory management.

Implementation Method 1

the two flat elements are slightly inclined towards each other, and their distance from one another is not uniform, but rather greater in the area of the connecting element than at a certain distance from it. This creates a clamping effect that allows particularly flexible materials, such as cardboard or paperboard, to be securely wedged between the two flat elements.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectClamping effect: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP4245675B1Holding device for positioning cardboard lids
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 POLTEN BERNHARD
  • EP4245675B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4245675B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4245675B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

Holding device (1) for positioning wings (16) forming a cardboard lid on a cardboard box (15), comprising: - a first planar element (2) with side edges (3) and a first flat surface (4) spanned thereby; - a second planar element (5) with side edges (6) and a second flat surface (7) spanned thereby; - a connecting element (8) that connects a side edge (3) of the first planar element (2) and a side edge (6) of the second planar element (5) to each other in such a way that the planar elements (2, 5) are fixed in a substantially parallel, but slightly inclined orientation of the first and second surfaces (4, 7) to each other, wherein the connecting element (8) projects beyond the surface spanned by the side edges (3, 6) of at least one planar element (2, 5).wherein at least one of the planar elements forms an angle with the connecting element on its side facing the other planar element which is less than 90 degrees.