Corrugated Container with Offset Handhold for Liquid Bag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers for liquid-containing bags and bladders are inefficient in terms of packaging, recyclability, and cost, as they often require large quantities of non-recyclable materials like polymeric foam and plastic film, and lack effective designs for handling and transportation.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a removable spout-receiving opening, offset handhold, and overlapping inner and outer front wall panels with perforated lines for easy access and structural support, made from corrugated paperboard with face sheets, which prevents direct contact with the liquid and facilitates easy spout access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If glass containers are used for liquid shipment, then product protection is improved, but packaging material quantity and cost increase due to required foam and plastic film packaging
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid-containing bag is nested within the container, with the bag's spout positioned through a removable panel in the container's front wall. This nested configuration allows the container to provide structural protection while the flexible bag contains the liquid, eliminating the need for excessive foam or plastic film packaging materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is divided into functional segments: a removable front panel for spout access, side panels with handhold openings for handling, and a bottom panel for stability. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently, providing protection while minimizing material usage.
2Strength
If traditional container designs are used, then structural strength is maintained, but recyclability deteriorates due to mixed materials
Solution Approach 1:
The container is constructed entirely from corrugated paperboard, a homogeneous and recyclable material. This single-material construction maintains structural strength through the corrugated design while eliminating the mixing of different materials, thereby improving recyclability and reducing environmental impact.
3Ease of operation
If spout access is provided through fixed openings, then ease of access is improved, but liquid contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The front wall panel is designed to be removable, transforming from a static barrier to a dynamic access point. This allows the panel to be removed when spout access is needed and reattached when not in use, providing easy access while maintaining protection against contamination when the container is sealed.
4Ease of operation
If handholds are positioned directly over the spout opening, then handling convenience is improved, but direct contact with liquid increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handhold openings in the side panels are positioned asymmetrically relative to the front wall opening, located toward the rear of the container. This asymmetric placement allows users to grip the container from the sides without their hands extending forward to the spout area, maintaining handling convenience while preventing direct contact with the liquid or spout.
Data Source
AI summary
A container for housing a liquid-filled bag has at least four walls including first and second side walls, a front wall, and a back wall. The front wall has a front wall panel, and the back wall has a back wall panel interconnected with first and second side wall panels. A first inner shield flap is coupled to the front wall panel, a second inner shield flap is coupled to the back wall panel, and a first top flap is coupled to the first side wall panel. The first top flap defines a first handhold opening. A second top flap is coupled to the second side wall panel and defines a second handhold opening. The first and second handhold openings overlap to define a handhold when the second top flap is folded over the first top flap. The handhold is offset from free ends of the first and second inner shield flaps.