Dual-Position Lid Flaps for Container Footprint Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containment systems lack an efficient mechanism to maintain lid flaps in a fully open configuration without interfering with access to the container's inner volume or protruding unnecessarily, especially when stacked or placed on surfaces with other objects.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring dual-position lid flaps connected via predefined hinges, allowing them to fold outward and remain under the bottom wall in a fully open configuration, reducing footprint and preventing interference with the container's contents or external objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If lid flaps are designed to open fully for access, then accessibility to contents is improved, but the lid flaps may protrude and interfere with stacking or placement on surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The lid flaps transition from a planar orientation (parallel to the container opening) to a vertical orientation (perpendicular to the bottom wall) by folding along predefined hinge lines. This dimensional change allows the flaps to be positioned under the bottom wall, eliminating protrusion while maintaining full accessibility when opened.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid flaps are designed with predefined hinges that enable dynamic repositioning between a closed position (flush with the container body) and a fully open position (folded under the bottom wall). This dynamic capability allows the flaps to adapt their position based on operational needs, providing access when required and minimizing footprint when not in use.
2Ease of manufacture
If lid flaps are made rigid for structural stability, then manufacturing is simplified, but they cannot be folded or repositioned
Solution Approach 1:
The lid flap structure is segmented into multiple sections separated by predefined hinge lines. These hinge lines create articulated joints that allow the flap to be folded and repositioned while maintaining overall structural integrity. The segmentation enables the flap to transition between rigid-like stability in closed position and flexible repositioning when opened.
Data Source
AI summary
Containment systems, containers, and methods can be comprised of first through fourth sidewalls; a bottom wall connected to the first through fourth sidewalls; and first through fourth lid flaps connected to respective first through fourth sidewalls via respective first through fourth hinges. A single sheet of paperboard can make up the sidewalls, the bottom wall, and the lid flaps. In a fully open configuration, the third lid flap can be folded at the third hinge such that a flap body thereof is adjacent to the third sidewall, the fourth lid flap can be folded at the fourth hinge such that a flap body thereof is adjacent to the fourth sidewall, and a flap wing of each of the third lid flap and the fourth lid flap can be under the bottom wall such that each of the flap wings is against the bottom wall and maintained under the bottom wall.