Carton Spout Mechanism Using Folded Panels for Controlled Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cartons for dispensable materials lack an efficient and user-friendly mechanism for controlling the dispensing of contents, as they often require manual tearing or complex assembly, which can lead to spills and inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A carton design featuring a spout mechanism formed by foldably connected panels, allowing the spout to transition between a closed and open position, facilitating controlled dispensing of contents without the need for manual tearing, and enabling easy assembly and disassembly for use and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spout mechanism is added to enable controlled dispensing, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spout is divided into multiple panels (first spout panel and second spout panel) that are foldably connected, allowing the spout to be segmented into movable components that can open and close independently while maintaining overall structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The spout mechanism incorporates movable panels connected by fold lines that allow dynamic opening and closing actions, transitioning from a static carton structure to a dynamic dispensing system that adapts between closed and open states
2Ease of manufacture
If foldable panels are used to form the spout, then ease of manufacture is improved, but structural integrity may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The spout panels are integrated directly into the carton body panels through foldable connections, merging the spout structure with the existing carton framework to maintain strength while enabling easy assembly from a single blank
Solution Approach 2:
The fold lines and panel connections are pre-formed in the blank before assembly, allowing the spout mechanism to be prepared in advance with proper structural reinforcement already in place, ensuring both ease of assembly and structural integrity
3Device complexity
If the spout is formed from existing panels, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing carton panels serve multiple functions: they form both the body of the carton and the spout mechanism itself, eliminating the need for separate spout components and reducing overall part count while maintaining functional integrity
Data Source
AI summary
A carton for containing a dispensable material. The carton has a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels comprises at least a first panel and a second panel foldably connected to the first panel at a fold line. A spout is at least partially formed in the first panel and the second panel. The spout is moveable between a closed position substantially preventing the removal of the dispensable material from the carton and an open position allowing removal of the dispensable material from the carton. The spout comprises a first spout panel formed from a portion of the first panel and a second spout panel formed from a portion of the second panel. The second spout panel is foldably connected to the first spout panel at at least a portion of the fold line.