Moulded Pulp Egg Packaging Cam Lock and Label Cut
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing egg packaging units made of moulded pulp face instability in the lock mechanism, leading to potential product damage during transport and storage, and interference with product information display on the front surface.
Innovation Solution
A packaging unit design featuring a hingedly connected cover part with a cam locking mechanism, including a first locking element extending from the bottom part and a second locking element on the cover part, which provides a secure lock while maintaining an intact display surface, enhanced by a curved cut in the label and angled locking elements to distribute forces effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lock mechanism is provided to secure the cover part to the bottom part, then the packaging unit stability is improved, but the front surface display area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted from the front surface area by positioning the lock mechanism at the rear side of the packaging unit. The cam mechanism extends through a recess in the front surface without occupying display space, separating the locking function from the information display function.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism is positioned in the depth dimension (extending through the cover part thickness) rather than occupying the front surface area. The cam protrudes through a recess, utilizing the third dimension to provide locking while maintaining front surface integrity for display purposes.
2Reliability
If a lock mechanism is provided to secure the cover part to the bottom part, then the packaging unit stability is improved, but the lock stability under transport forces is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism features a curved outer contour that engages with a corresponding recess in the front surface. This curved geometry distributes transport forces more effectively than a straight lock mechanism, improving stability while allowing the cam to rotate smoothly into the locked position.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism combines multiple functions: the cam provides both the locking action and the display element (egg-shaped indication of contents). The curved outer contour simultaneously provides structural strength and force distribution, reducing the need for additional reinforcing elements.
3Reliability
If the cam is provided with a closed outer contour without openings, then the locking function is improved, but the label display surface is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The opening for the cam is extracted from the label area and positioned in a recess of the front surface. The label is applied over the recess, allowing the cam to protrude through without creating visible openings or disruptions in the label display surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The recess in the front surface acts as an intermediary between the cam mechanism and the label. It allows the cam to protrude through while the label can be applied continuously over the recess, masking the opening and maintaining display integrity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a packaging unit (2) made of moulded pulp for products like eggs, and a mould and method there for. The packaging unit according to the present invention comprises: • - a bottom part (4) provided with compartments (26) for individual products; • - a cover part (14) comprising top (24), front (18) and rear (22) surfaces with the front surface comprising one or more openings (29); • - a first locking element extending upwardly from the bottom part defining a cam (31) with an at least partly downwardly facing locking plane (156) with a length and a width, such that the length of the cam partly extends through the opening in the front surface of the cover part in a closed position of the packaging unit; and • - a label (36,50,60) provided on the cover part, wherein the label is provided with a curved cut (38,52,62) that is configured to enable the cam to partly extend through the opening in the cover part and remain substantially behind the label seen in a front view of the packaging unit in a closed position.