Cardboard Container Locking Tab Pressure Field Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers for storing goods, such as folding boxes made of cardboard, are prone to irreversible deformation when the locking mechanism is repeatedly used, leading to unintentional opening and failure in securing fragile or medicinal items, especially when accessed by children.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a latching device with a pressure field that secures the lid in place, allowing for secure and automatic closure and safe opening by disengaging the locking tab through pressure application, combined with reinforcing elements to prevent deformation and ensure safe handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is used to secure the container against unintentional opening, then the container can be securely closed and protected, but the locking mechanism is prone to irreversible deformation when repeatedly used
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional elements: locking tabs on the receiving container and corresponding recesses in the lid assembly. This segmentation allows the locking function to be distributed across multiple components, reducing the stress concentration on any single element and preventing irreversible deformation during repeated use.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking tabs and recesses are designed with specific local geometric features that optimize the locking engagement. The tabs have predetermined breaking lines that allow controlled deformation, while the recesses provide precise geometric constraints. This local quality ensures reliable locking without causing damage to the overall structure during normal operation.
2Reliability
If the locking tabs are positioned to secure the container, then the container remains securely closed, but the locking tabs become easily deformed by applying pressure in the area of the locking tabs
Solution Approach 1:
A pressing element is introduced as an intermediary component between the user's finger and the locking tab. This pressing element transmits the opening force through a predetermined breaking line to a release element, rather than applying pressure directly to the locking tab. This mediates the force application, allowing the locking tab to be released without deforming it.
Solution Approach 2:
The direct mechanical connection between the locking tab and the lid is replaced with an indirect release mechanism. Instead of pressing the locking tab directly to disengage it, the user presses the pressing element which activates the release element through the breaking line, substituting a more complex mechanical system that protects the locking tab from deformation.
3Ease of operation
If the container is designed for frequent opening and closing, then the container is easily accessible, but the locking mechanism becomes damaged and loses functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The locking tabs are pre-formed with predetermined breaking lines that are prepared in advance for controlled deformation. This preliminary action ensures that when opening force is applied, the tabs deform in a predetermined manner rather than causing damage to the locking mechanism, enabling frequent opening and closing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometric parameters of the locking tabs and recesses are optimized to allow controlled deformation during operation. The breaking lines are positioned and dimensioned to provide the necessary flexibility for repeated opening and closing while maintaining the integrity of the locking function throughout the product lifecycle.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution ensures the container remains securely closed and safe to open even after frequent use, preventing unintentional opening and maintaining functionality by using a pressure field to release the locking tab and reinforcing elements to prevent deformation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pressure field is formed in the area of the recess or opening for exerting pressure on the locking tab and for releasing the locking tab from the recess or opening
Implementation Method 2
the at least one locking device comprises at least one locking tab arranged on at least one side wall and projecting into a receiving space of the receiving container, and at least one recess or opening formed in at least one outer wall and/or one side wall of the lid assembly for receiving and locking the locking tab when the container is closed
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 receiving container (12) and a lid construction (14) for closing the receiving container (12), wherein the receiving container (12) and the lid construction (14) can be detachably connected to each other by means of at least one locking device (16).The at least one locking device (16) comprises at least one locking tab (28, 30) arranged on at least one side wall (18, 20, 22, 24) and projecting into a receiving space (26) of the receiving container (12), and at least one recess or opening (94, 96) formed in at least one outer wall (98, 100, 102, 104) of the lid and/or a side wall (84, 86, 88, 90) of the lid structure (14) for receiving and locking the locking tab (28, 30) in the closed state of the container (10), wherein at least one pressure field (74, 76) is provided in the area of the recess or opening (94, 96) for exerting pressure on the locking tab (28, 30) and for releasing the locking tab (28, 30) from the recess or opening (94, 96). 96) is trained.Furthermore, the invention relates to a set for the manufacture of a container (10) for storing goods, comprising a first blank (140) for the manufacture of a receiving container (12) and a second blank (142) for the manufacture of a lid construction (14).