Fastener-Free Packaging With Interlocking Panel Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional packaging solutions often require mechanical fasteners like tape to maintain structural integrity, which can be inconvenient and may not provide a secure seal.
Innovation Solution
A fastener-free packaging system utilizing a blank with specific panel configurations and connection features, such as attaching and receiving connection features, that allow panels to interlock without the need for additional fasteners, forming a secure and stable box structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If mechanical fasteners like tape are used to maintain structural integrity, then the packaging can be assembled, but the packaging becomes more complex and requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the fastening function directly into the panel structure by incorporating attaching connection features and receiving connection features as integral parts of the panels themselves. This merging of the fastening mechanism with the panel structure eliminates the need for separate tape or external fasteners, thereby maintaining structural integrity while reducing packaging complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The panels are designed with self-fastening capabilities through the attaching and receiving connection features that interlock with each other during assembly. The structure serves its own fastening needs without requiring external mechanical fasteners, achieving both structural integrity and simplified packaging design
2Reliability
If mechanical fasteners like tape are used to secure contents, then the packaging can be sealed, but additional components and assembly steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The connection features enable the panels to secure themselves to each other through the interlocking attaching and receiving mechanisms. This self-service fastening system provides reliable sealing while eliminating the need for separate assembly steps involving tape application, thereby improving both seal security and assembly convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the fastening function from external components and embeds it directly into the panel structure through integrated connection features. This extraction eliminates the need for separate tape components and simplifies the assembly process while maintaining reliable sealing
Data Source
AI summary
Fastener-free packaging includes a plurality of main panels, each main panel comprising an upper panel, a central panel, and a lower panel; at least one attaching connection feature located on at least one lower panel; and at least one receiving connection feature located on at least one lower panel, wherein each lower panel is connected to at least two other lower panels by an attaching connection feature connecting to a receiving connection feature such that all lower panels are connected together thereby forming a bottom.