Container Relief Features Prevent Window Creasing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Packing containers with display windows often experience uncontrolled creasing or distortion when stacked, which affects the presentation of branding or marketing information.

Innovation Solution

The integration of relief features in the container design, such as U-shaped features, to distribute compressive loads away from the display portion, preventing creasing or distortion and maintaining an attractive product display.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If containers are stacked one on top of another during display, then storage efficiency and space utilization are improved, but the display portion undergoes uncontrolled creasing or distortion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage efficiencyVSAvoiddisplay portion integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The container structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: a display portion for branding information and a relief feature zone that acts as a stress buffer. The relief feature is a dedicated structural segment positioned between the stacking surface and the display portion, creating a physical separation that protects the display area from compressive forces during stacking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The relief feature is pre-formed as an integral part of the container structure before stacking occurs. This preliminary structural preparation creates a built-in stress distribution mechanism that proactively prevents creasing and distortion of the display portion before stacking forces are applied, rather than attempting to correct damage after it occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If a display window is added to present branding information, then marketing effectiveness is improved, but the display portion becomes susceptible to creasing and distortion under stacking loads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemarketing functionalityVSAvoiddisplay portion stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The relief feature acts as an intermediary structural element between the stacking load and the display portion. It serves as a mediator that intercepts and redistributes compressive forces, preventing direct transmission of stress to the branding display area, thereby protecting the reliability of the marketing functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The container structure exhibits local quality differentiation: the display portion is optimized for visual presentation with smooth surfaces for branding, while the relief feature zone is optimized for mechanical stress management. Each area has specialized properties tailored to its specific function, allowing the display area to maintain integrity under load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If the container structure is reinforced to prevent creasing, then display portion integrity is improved, but the container complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay portion integrityVSAvoidcontainer structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The relief feature is merged with the container's existing structural elements, such as sidewalls or flanges, forming an integrated design. This combination achieves stress distribution and display protection without adding separate, complex reinforcement components, thereby maintaining manufacturing simplicity while improving display integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 effectively prevents creasing or distortion of the display portion when containers are stacked, ensuring a clear and attractive presentation of branding or marketing information.

Implementation Method 1

The first and second relief features distribute compressive loads away from the display portion when one container is stacked on top of another

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStress distribution:

Data Source

PatentEP3498619B1Container with window
Publication Date: 2020.09.23 GEORGIA PACIFIC CORRUGATED LLC
  • EP3498619B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3498619B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3498619B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

A container (100) includes a plurality of panels (200) integrally arranged with respect to each other and with respect to a set of orthogonal x, y and z axes, the plurality of panels being foldable to create the container. The plurality of panels include a first panel (202) disposed parallel to the z-axis, the first panel having a first side portion (204), a second side portion (206), and a display portion (208) disposed between the first and second side portions, the first and second side portions and the display portion being coplanar and bordering at least a portion of a product display opening. The first panel further includes a first relief feature (212) disposed between the display portion and the first side portion, and a second relief feature (214) disposed between the display portion and the second side portion, wherein the at least a portion of the product display opening and the first and second relief features are formed by an absence of material of the first panel.