Paperboard Container Bottom Blocking Flaps for Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing containers made from cellulose-based materials, such as paperboard, tend to collapse under minimal impacts due to instability at the bottom, which compromises their shape and functionality.

Innovation Solution

The container design incorporates bottom blocking means with abutment flaps that are integrated with the lateral walls, ensuring the bottom remains stable by locking into place, even under stress, using a blank with specific folding lines and adhesive application to maintain the frustoconical shape.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the bottom consists of two panels locked by interference between lateral walls, then the container can be assembled with simple structure, but the bottom stability is insufficient and the container collapses under minimal impacts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebottom structureVSAvoidbottom stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bottom is divided into two separate panels (first bottom panel and second bottom panel) that are superposed on each other. This segmentation allows each panel to be independently secured to the lateral walls through separate locking mechanisms, distributing the stabilizing force and preventing collapse under impact loads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The two bottom panels are nested within each other in a superposed configuration, with the first bottom panel positioned inside the container and the second bottom panel outside. This nested arrangement allows both panels to work together to reinforce the bottom structure while maintaining a compact form factor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Shape

If the bottom panels are positioned at right angles to the axis of extension, then the container maintains its frustoconical shape, but the panels become unstable under unwanted impacts or pressures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrustoconical shapeVSAvoidpanel configuration stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanisms are pre-configured on the lateral walls before the bottom panels are installed. The first locking mechanism and second locking mechanism are positioned and prepared in advance to receive and secure the bottom panels, ensuring they are immediately stabilized upon assembly and can resist subsequent impact loads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanisms are strategically positioned at specific locations on the lateral walls where they can most effectively resist impact forces. The first locking mechanism secures the first bottom panel at a optimized position, and the second locking mechanism secures the second bottom panel at a corresponding position, creating localized reinforcement points that maintain overall panel stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3983301B1Container for articles, relative blank and method of making
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 GD SPA
  • EP3983301B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3983301B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3983301B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Described is a container (1) for articles, comprising: an upper end (2) and a lower end (20); - a first lateral wall (3) and a second lateral wall (4); - a bottom (5), comprising a first bottom wall (51) and a second bottom wall (52). The container (1) comprises means for blocking the bottom (7, 8), comprising a first abutment flap (7) fixed to the inner surface (30) of the first lateral wall (3) and comprising a lower abutment edge (70); and a second abutment flap (8) comprising an upper abutment edge (80) and connected to the second bottom wall (52). The second abutment flap (8) is folded against the inner surface (30) of the first lateral wall (3) for abutting, with the relative upper abutment edge (80), the lower abutment edge (70) of the first abutment flap (7).