Corrugated Paper Clamshell Containers for Direct Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional clamshell containers made of transparent polymer materials are inefficient for handling bulk amounts and require additional stacking trays for shipping, lacking improvements in material and design.
Innovation Solution
A clamshell container made of corrugated paper material with a hinged lid and transparent films covering window openings, reinforced by corrugated beams, allowing for see-through inspection and efficient stacking without additional trays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional transparent polymer materials are used for clamshell containers, then consumers can visually inspect the contents, but the containers require additional stacking trays for handling bulk amounts and shipping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the container body with integrated stacking trays into a single unified structure. The container body includes built-in stacking features that allow multiple containers to be stacked directly onto one another without requiring separate stacking trays, thereby eliminating the additional components while maintaining both visual inspection capability and stacking functionality
2Ease of operation
If transparent polymer materials are used for clamshell containers, then consumers can visually inspect the contents, but the material is not eco-friendly and increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction where a corrugated paper container body is combined with transparent film inserts or window panels. This composite approach allows the majority of the container to be made from eco-friendly, cost-effective corrugated paper while incorporating transparent elements only where visual inspection is needed, thereby reducing overall material cost and environmental impact while maintaining the visual inspection function
3Ease of manufacture
If corrugated paper material is used for container body, then cost-effectiveness and eco-friendliness are improved, but the material lacks strength to support transparent film against sagging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local reinforcement techniques where corrugated paper beams or support structures are strategically positioned behind the transparent film at critical areas prone to sagging. This localized strengthening provides the necessary structural support to prevent film deformation while maintaining the overall cost-effectiveness and eco-friendly nature of the corrugated paper container body, avoiding the need to strengthen the entire container structure
4Productivity
If traditional plastic clamshell containers are used, then handling bulk amounts requires stacking trays, but this increases device complexity and shipping space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates stacking tray functionality directly into the container body structure, creating a multi-functional design where the container serves both as a product holder and as a stacking element. The container body includes built-in stacking surfaces and interlocking features that enable direct stacking of multiple containers, thereby combining the functions of container and stacking tray into a single component, reducing the total number of parts and improving bulk handling efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A container includes a container body of a corrugated paper material. The container body defines a tray and a clamshell lid hinged to the tray for movement between a closed position wherein the clamshell lid and tray enclose an interior space of the container body and an open position wherein the clamshell lid is clear of a top opening of the tray for access to the interior space. The tray includes a bottom panel defining a bottom window opening. The clamshell lid includes a top panel defining a top window opening. The top window opening and the bottom window opening are separated from one another by corrugated paper material of the container body. In the closed position, the top window opening is opposite from the bottom window opening. A transparent film is connected to the container body, covering over at least one of the window openings.