Cardboard Container Locking Tab and Pressure Tab Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional containers, such as folding boxes made of cardboard, often fail to secure against unintentional opening, particularly when storing fragile goods or medications, and pose a risk of opening by children.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a locking tab articulated via a bending line on the front wall, which automatically secures the lid when closed, requiring disengagement to open, and includes reinforcing elements and pressure tabs to ensure secure closure and two-handed operation for safe opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple lid structure is used, then the container is easy to manufacture and operate, but the container can be easily opened unintentionally
Solution Approach 1:
The container structure is divided into functional segments: the lid assembly, the locking tab, and the pressure tab. Each segment performs a specific function - the lid assembly provides closure, the locking tab provides security through engagement with the lid, and the pressure tab enables controlled opening. This segmentation allows the container to achieve secure closure without requiring a completely complex structure, as each component is simple in itself but effective when combined.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking tab is designed to automatically engage with the lid assembly when the container is closed, providing self-securing functionality. The locking tab does not require manual operation to lock - it automatically locks when the lid is positioned correctly. Similarly, the pressure tab provides self-opening functionality by requiring deliberate pressure to disengage the locking tab. This self-service approach improves reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the lid, then the container is protected against unintentional opening, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking tab and pressure tab are merged with the lid assembly as integrated components rather than separate parts. The locking tab is formed as part of the lid structure, and the pressure tab is integrated into the lid assembly. This merging reduces the number of separate manufacturing steps and assembly operations, making the production process simpler despite adding security functionality. The components can be manufactured together or assembled in a single operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-operating through the pressure tab. Instead of requiring a complex manual locking and unlocking mechanism, the system uses a simple pressure-sensitive tab that automatically disengages the locking tab when sufficient pressure is applied. This self-service approach simplifies manufacturing compared to complex mechanical locking mechanisms while maintaining secure closure.
3Ease of manufacture
If the locking tab is integrated into the partition wall, then the container can be manufactured simply and cost-effectively, but the partition wall must serve multiple functions
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall is designed with multi-functionality to justify its integrated role in the locking mechanism. It serves as: (1) a structural partition dividing the container interior, (2) a mounting structure for the locking tab, and (3) a support element for the lid assembly. This multi-functionality is achieved through careful structural design where the partition wall includes integrated features such as recesses or attachment points that allow it to perform multiple roles without requiring additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking tab is merged with the partition wall as an integrated component rather than a separate element. The locking tab is formed as part of the partition wall structure, allowing it to serve both as a locking mechanism and as part of the partition system. This merging simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of separate parts and assembly steps, while the partition wall's multi-functionality ensures that the integration does not compromise structural integrity or design flexibility.
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
The present invention relates to a container (10) for storing goods, in particular a folding box made of cardboard, paper or the like, comprising a front wall (12) and a rear wall (14), side walls (16, 18) connecting the front and rear walls (12, 14), as well as a bottom construction (20) and a lid construction (22), wherein the lid construction (22) is hinged to one end of the rear wall (14) opposite the bottom construction (20). at least one locking tab (58, 60) for locking the lid construction (22) to the front wall (12) in the closed state of the container (10) is hinged via a bending line (80) at the end of the front wall (12) opposite the bottom construction (20), such that it rests against an outside of the front wall (12) or protrudes outwards from the container (10), wherein the locking tab (58, 60) is designed as an element of an intermediate wall (50) hinged to the front wall (12) via the bending line (80).Furthermore, the invention relates to a blank (128) for the manufacture of a container (10) for storing goods.