Carton Removable Panel Design for Secure Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carton designs lack an efficient dispensing feature that allows secure access to contents while minimizing material usage and ensuring the contents remain secure within the carton.
Innovation Solution
A carton design featuring a removable panel defined by tear lines that extend from a fold line into the first panel, with a notional line interposed between the tear lines, allowing for easy access while maintaining structural integrity and minimizing material waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a removable panel with tear lines is provided for dispensing access, then ease of operation is improved, but structural strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The first panel is segmented by the tear lines into a removable panel and a retained portion. The tear lines are positioned such that when torn, they create an opening while leaving the corner edge and surrounding structure intact, thus providing access while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tear lines are strategically positioned to create localized changes in the panel. The first tear line extends from the fold line toward the corner edge while the second tear line extends from the fold line away from the corner edge, creating a controlled tear pattern that provides access without compromising the overall structural strength of the carton.
2Loss of substance
If material is minimized for cost and environmental considerations, then loss of substance is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tear lines are pre-formed on the panel during manufacturing, creating predetermined tear paths. This preliminary action ensures that when the consumer tears the panel, the tear follows the exact intended path, achieving precise results without requiring high-precision manufacturing of the tear lines themselves. The fold line and corner edge geometry are designed to guide the tear naturally.
3Ease of operation
If the first tear line is positioned closer to the corner edge for better access, then ease of operation is improved, but structural strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The two tear lines are positioned asymmetrically relative to the fold line and corner edge. The first tear line extends toward the corner edge at an angle that provides good access, while the second tear line extends away from the corner edge. This asymmetric arrangement creates a tear pattern that optimizes both access and structural retention, with the corner edge serving as an anchor point that maintains strength.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to a package, a carton (190), and a blank (110) for forming the carton. An aspect of the invention provides a carton comprising a plurality of primary panels (112, 114, 116, 118, 120) defining an interior of the carton. The carton comprises a first panel (118) and a second panel (120) hinged to the first panel along a first fold line (119). The first panel has a first corner edge (55a) extending obliquely with respect to the first fold line such that an obtuse angle is defined between the first corner edge and the first fold line. The carton further comprises an opening feature (D) which is at least partially removable from the carton. The opening feature comprises a removable panel (170a) defined at least in part by first (173a) and second tear lines (173b) which define opposing side edges of the removable panel respectively.