Carton Interlocking Features for Secure Multi-Unit Assembly

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cartons lack effective interlocking mechanisms to securely assemble multiple cartons for holding and transporting food items, leading to potential separation and increased packaging waste.

Innovation Solution

A carton design featuring interlocking elements, such as tabs and slots, allows two cartons to engage and form a stable assembly, ensuring secure retention and reducing waste by enabling multiple usage scenarios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cartons are designed without interlocking mechanisms, then the structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but multiple cartons cannot securely assemble and may separate during transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure assembly of multiple cartonsVSAvoidcarton structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The carton is divided into modular units with standardized locking elements (tabs and slots) that enable independent cartons to connect securely. Each carton contains complete interlocking features, allowing them to function independently or assemble with other cartons to form larger configurations without requiring complex integrated structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of substance

If cartons use traditional separate packaging, then each carton is simpler to manufacture, but more packaging material is wasted and environmental impact increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging wasteVSAvoidcarton production

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple cartons are designed to merge into a unified assembly through interlocking mechanisms. The locking elements enable cartons to connect and function as a single packaged unit, reducing the need for additional external packaging materials and minimizing overall packaging waste while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If cartons include interlocking features, then multiple cartons can form stable assemblies for versatile handling and display, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling and display optionsVSAvoidcarton production process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Interlocking features are implemented at specific localized areas of the carton (edges and corners) rather than throughout the entire structure. The locking elements are positioned strategically to enable versatile assembly configurations while minimizing the overall complexity of the manufacturing process, as only specific regions require additional features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20250361060A1Carton with interlocking features

Publication Date: 2025.11.27 GRAPHIC PACKAGING INTERNATIONAL LLC

AI summary

A carton for holding one or more products. The carton can comprise a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton, and the plurality of panels can comprise at least a front panel and a back panel. The front panel can extend opposite at least a portion of the back panel, and at least a portion of the back panel can extend past a top edge of the front panel. The carton further can comprise a plurality of locking elements for at least partially interlocking the carton with a second carton for at least partially forming a carton assembly.