Flange-Engaged Nested Container Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging solutions, such as folding cartons, face challenges in efficiently supporting and securing secondary containers within primary containers without direct contact between their side panels, which can lead to structural instability and difficulties in removal.
Innovation Solution
A container assembly design featuring a primary container with a flange that extends around its access opening and a secondary container with a corresponding flange that engages with the primary container's flange, allowing the secondary container to be supported and removed without direct contact between their side panels, utilizing a lid with a tear-away opening and tab for access and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the secondary container directly contacts the side panels of the primary container, then structural support is provided, but removal becomes difficult and structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A flange structure extends from the primary container to provide an intermediary support surface. The secondary container rests on this flange rather than directly contacting the primary container's side panels, enabling easy removal while maintaining structural stability through the mediating flange interface.
2Reliability
If the access opening of the primary container is the same size as the secondary container, then the secondary container can be supported, but side panels must contact each other causing operational difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented from the side panels and assigned to a dedicated flange structure. This allows the access opening to be larger for easier access while the flange provides concentrated support contact points, separating the support function from the side panel structure.
3Reliability
If the secondary container is securely supported within the primary container, then structural stability is improved, but removal requires direct side panel contact making operation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The flange structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the secondary container, creates a stable interface that prevents shifting, and simultaneously serves as a removal interface. This multi-functionality achieves secure support without increasing overall structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Container assemblies can include a first container and a second container, where the second container extends into and is supported by the first container. The first container and the second container can each include a flange around the periphery of an access opening. The flange of the second container is configured to provide support for the second container via engagement with the flange of the first container. In some instances, the second container can extend into and be supported by the first container through engagement of the flange of the second container with the flange of the first container such that a side panel of the first container is not in contact with a corresponding side panel of the second container. The container assembly can also include a lid for retaining the second container in the first container and/or for sealing to the first container and/or the second container.