Flip-Top Container Blank With Scoring And Inner Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flip-top containers are difficult to re-close effectively and cannot be efficiently produced using horizontal cartoning machines due to complex folding processes and undesired slit-openings that allow internal contents to obstruct lid closure.
Innovation Solution
A blank for a flip-top container design featuring scoring lines for easy opening and a flap mechanism that allows for reliable reclosing, along with a method for producing the container using a horizontal cartoning machine, where the blank includes side, front, and rear panels with flaps connected by folding lines, and an inner frame with a trapezoid-shaped flap for easy closure, minimizing the need for additional closure mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a latch part is attached to the front panel at the bottom and folded twice to position it, then the latch mechanism can be formed, but the container cannot be produced in a horizontal cartoning machine and the folding process becomes extremely complex
Solution Approach 1:
The container blank is divided into separate functional sections: an outer body part and an inner frame part. The latch mechanism is integrated into the inner frame as a distinct element rather than being attached to the front panel, allowing independent folding and assembly steps that simplify the overall manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of attaching the latch part to the front panel and folding it into position, the invention inverts the approach by making the latch part an integral component of the inner frame that folds into place automatically during the assembly process, eliminating the need for complex post-assembly adjustments
2Reliability
If three flaps are folded to form the bottom resulting in a slit-opening in the front panel, then the bottom closure is achieved, but the slit-opening provides unwanted access to the interior and obstructs lid closure
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful slit-opening is completely removed from the design. Instead of creating openings in the front panel, the invention uses a different bottom closure mechanism where flaps fold over and interlock with the inner frame, sealing the container interior without creating any access points in the front panel
Solution Approach 2:
The folding flaps that could potentially create openings are redesigned to interlock with the inner frame structure, converting what would be a harmful feature (openings) into a beneficial sealing mechanism that enhances container closure reliability
3Reliability
If additional closure mechanisms are added to enable effective reclosing, then the reclosing function is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The container lid is designed to reclose automatically using its own weight and the geometry of the folding mechanism. When the lid is pushed down, it naturally engages with the inner frame structure without requiring springs, latches, or other active closure components, achieving reliable reclosing through passive mechanical design
Solution Approach 2:
The inner frame structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, creates the container interior, enables bottom closure through flap interlocking, and facilitates automatic lid reclosing through its geometric configuration, eliminating the need for separate closure mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a blank for a flip-top container and a method for producing a blank for a flip-top container and a method of producing a flip-top container from a blank. A blank according to the present invention may preferably comprise a section for an outer body part and a section for an inner frame. The section of the blank for the outer body comprises two side panels, a front panel and a rear panel. Each side panel is typically connected to the front panel at opposite vertical folding lines; the rear panel is typically connected to one of the side panels along a vertical folding line. A scoring line is provided in the side panels and in the front panel; the scoring line extends downwardly sloping in the side panels towards front panel and extends horizontally in at least a part of the front panel. Each of the side panels, front panel and rear panel has a flap connected at an upper and at a lower horizontal folding line of the panel. Further, the section of the blank for the inner frame comprising two inner side parts and an inner front part, wherein each inner side parts is connected to the inner front part at opposite vertical folding lines, and the inner front part comprising a flap connected at an upper horizontal folding line, said flap comprising a scoring line defining a flap part above the scoring line.