Self-Attaching Container Support Mechanism for Repeated Flap Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cardboard boxes used for storage and moving often suffer from compromised integrity due to repeated openings and closings, which can lead to weakening and tearing of the flaps, especially when accessing items within them.
Innovation Solution
A support mechanism and system that includes a container coupling mechanism and a flap overlap mechanism, with an attachment mechanism to maintain the flaps in a closed position, providing additional structural support and resisting forces that would otherwise cause creasing or tearing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If cardboard boxes are used for storage and moving, then they provide a simple and inexpensive container solution, but the flaps weaken and tear after repeated openings and closings
Solution Approach 1:
The support mechanism is divided into separate components: a first support piece attached to the bottom flap and a second support piece attached to the top flap. These segmented pieces work together to reinforce the box without requiring complete redesign of the entire container structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the original cardboard box material with additional support pieces made of reinforcing material. This composite structure integrates the simplicity of cardboard with the strength of the support mechanism, creating a hybrid container that maintains ease of manufacture while improving durability.
2Ease of operation
If tape is used to secure box flaps, then the box can be closed and sealed, but repeated opening and closing compromises the box integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The support pieces are attached to the flaps in advance, before the box is closed. This preliminary reinforcement ensures that the structural strengthening is already in place before the closing action occurs, allowing the box to withstand repeated operations without compromising integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support pieces act as intermediary elements between the flaps and the external forces applied during opening and closing operations. These intermediaries absorb and distribute the mechanical stresses, protecting the original flap structure from direct damage.
3Ease of operation
If items are repeatedly accessed from a stored box, then convenience is improved, but the box weakens and may tear
Solution Approach 1:
The support pieces provide beforehand cushioning by being attached to the flaps prior to any opening or closing operations. This pre-positioned reinforcement creates a protective buffer that absorbs the cumulative stress of repeated accesses, extending the box's service life without interfering with access convenience.
4Reliability
If specialized reusable boxes are used instead of cardboard boxes, then durability is improved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than creating a completely new specialized container, the invention segments the reinforcement function into separate attachable pieces. This allows the durability benefits of specialized boxes to be achieved while maintaining the simplicity and manufacturability of standard cardboard boxes.
Solution Approach 2:
The support pieces serve as intermediary components that bridge the gap between simple cardboard boxes and durable specialized containers. They provide the durability characteristics of specialized boxes without requiring the complete complexity of manufactured reusable containers.
Data Source
AI summary
A support mechanism for a container includes a container coupling mechanism, a flap overlap mechanism and an attachment mechanism. The container coupling mechanism is configured to couple to a distal end of a first flap of the container. The flap overlap mechanism is configured to overlap a second flap of the container when the first flap and the second flap are in a closed position, such that the second flap is between an interior portion of the container and the flap overlap mechanism in the closed position. The attachment mechanism is configured to selectively maintain the first flap and the second flap in the closed position. The support mechanism supports a greater force applied in a direction normal to a plane formed by the first flap and second flap in the closed position than a force supported by the first flap and the second flap without the support mechanism.