Carton With Tray Access Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging solutions for perishable goods like confectionery and snacks are not aesthetically pleasing, difficult to use, and less ideal for gradual consumption, as they require the tray to be removed from the carton before opening, which is inconvenient for display and reuse.
Innovation Solution
A package assembly featuring a carton with a tubular sleeve design that allows the tray to be accessed without removing it from the carton, with a sliding flange mechanism and foldable flaps for easy opening and resealing, using a blank of foldable material to form the carton that can be manufactured efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the tray is placed inside a carton box to improve aesthetics, then the appearance is improved, but the tray must be removed from the carton before opening which is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The carton is segmented into a tubular sleeve portion and a supporting structure portion, allowing the tray to be accessed through an opening in the top wall while the supporting structure provides stability. This segmentation enables the tray to remain in the carton during opening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening in the top wall acts as an intermediary access point, allowing users to reach the tray and peel the film without removing the tray from the carton. The supporting structure serves as a mediator to maintain carton integrity while enabling this access.
2Ease of operation
If the tray is removed from the carton after opening, then access to contents is achieved, but the carton must be discarded which is wasteful for gradual consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The carton is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides aesthetic packaging, structural support during transport, and a reusable container for gradual consumption. The opening in the top wall allows the carton to function as a display and storage container even after the tray is opened.
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables recovery of the carton for continued use. Instead of discarding the carton after opening, users can keep the tray in the carton and access additional contents through the opening, extending the usable life of the packaging.
3Ease of manufacture
If a traditional sealed tray design is used, then manufacturing is simple, but the package assembly is not aesthetically pleasing and requires tray removal
Solution Approach 1:
The carton is divided into functional segments (tubular sleeve portion and supporting structure portion) that can be manufactured separately and assembled, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving improved aesthetics and functionality.
4Ease of operation
If the flange is fully exposed above the carton, then access to the tray is easy, but the structural support and stability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting structure is localized to specific regions of the carton where support is needed, rather than providing uniform support throughout. This localized support maintains structural integrity while allowing tray access in other areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting structure extends vertically within the carton, utilizing the vertical dimension to provide support without interfering with horizontal tray access through the opening in the top wall.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Carton With Tray A package assembly comprises a carton (4) having a main body (20) including a bottom, top, front, and rear walls (24, 22, 26, 28) which define an interior volume in which a tray (6) is retained. The tray has peripheral flange (14) and is closed by means of flexible film (16) peelably secured to the flange. An opening (34) in the top wall allows the film to be peeled open whilst the tray is in the carton. The bottom, top, front, and rear walls define a tubular sleeve, the tray flange (14) is located below the top wall and the front wall has a supporting region (26a) in which a supporting structure is located below a portion of the flange. The tray (14) can be inserted into a partially erected carton (4) from one side.