Collapsible Cardboard Box With Integrated Internal Grate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current collapsible cardboard boxes are complex to handle due to their multi-element structure, making them difficult to manage and assemble, especially when forming internal partitions or cells.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible cardboard box formed from a unitary blank that transforms into a flat state with an integrated internal grate in the erected state, comprising a main body section, lid section, and grate section, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly into a compact double-folded state, with interlocking slots and gluing points for efficient space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a collapsible cardboard box is formed from multiple separate elements to provide structural integrity and internal partitions, then the box can form stable compartments and maintain shape, but the box becomes complicated to handle and assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate elements (box walls, internal partitions, and base) into a single integrated blank. The internal grate structure is formed as an integral part of the blank itself, eliminating the need for separate partition pieces. This merging maintains structural integrity while dramatically simplifying handling and assembly, as the entire box with all its compartments can be erected from one continuous piece of material.
Solution Approach 2:
The blank is designed with pre-scored fold lines that segment the single piece into functional zones: side walls, base, lid, and internal grate compartments. These segmentation lines allow the box to be easily folded into its erected state with proper compartment formation, providing both structural stability and ease of assembly from a single element.
2Manufacturing precision
If internal partitions are formed using separate elements, then the compartments can be precisely formed, but the number of parts increases making the device more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The internal partitions (grate structure) are merged with the box body in the single blank design. The grate flaps and slots are formed as integral features of the blank itself, eliminating the need for separate partition components. This reduces the number of parts while maintaining precise compartment formation through the carefully designed fold lines and interlocking features.
Solution Approach 2:
The single blank serves multiple functions simultaneously: it forms the external box structure, creates internal partitions, provides the base, and forms the lid. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision through integrated design.
3Volume of moving object
If the box is designed to collapse into a double-folded state, then space utilization is improved, but the structural complexity increases to achieve the folding mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The blank incorporates pre-scored fold lines that segment the structure into collapsible sections. These segmentation lines are strategically positioned to enable the box to fold into a compact double-folded state, with fold lines running along the perimeter and through the internal grate structure, allowing systematic collapse without complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding complex folding mechanisms to achieve compact storage, the design inverts the approach by using the box's own structural elements (fold lines in the blank) to enable collapsing. The simplicity of flat-fold collapse is achieved by designing the blank with appropriate fold lines, eliminating the need for additional folding mechanisms while maintaining low collapsed volume.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a collapsible cardboard box (1) having a collapsed state and an erected state. The cardboard box (1) is substantially flat in the collapsed state and exhibits an internal grate (2) in the erected state. The grate (2) forms a plurality of compartments (3) and each compartment (3) is adapted to hold an item. The invention also relates to a method for placing a collapsible cardboard box (1).