Flip-top Container Hinge with Transverse Cuts to Reduce Bulging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Flip-top containers suffer from damage at the hinge connection during repeated opening and closing, particularly due to bulging of the rear panel, and are often difficult to re-close, with consumers unintentionally damaging the container while trying to open it, leading to exposure of contents and increased costs from reinforcing materials or tapes.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates transverse cuts and embossing near the folding line to reduce bulging, tooth-shaped perforations for intuitive opening, and sloping division lines to facilitate easy closure, reducing the re-closing force and resistance to unintended openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the container is made from flexible material to reduce cost, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the rear panel bulges during opening causing hinge damage
Solution Approach 1:
The rear panel is segmented by introducing a transverse cut that divides it into two separate sections. This segmentation allows each section to move independently during opening, preventing the bulging effect that occurs in continuous flexible panels while maintaining the use of cost-effective flexible materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The transverse cut acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the flexible material and the hinge connection. By introducing this cut, the panel can flex without transmitting excessive force to the hinge, thus protecting the hinge from damage while allowing the use of flexible, cost-effective materials.
2Strength
If reinforcing tape is applied to the hinge to prevent damage, then hinge strength is improved, but production complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful bulging effect is extracted or removed from the system by introducing the transverse cut. This eliminates the need for reinforcing tapes by addressing the root cause of hinge damage through structural modification rather than additive reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding reinforcement to strengthen the hinge, the invention inverts the approach by modifying the panel structure to prevent the generation of damaging forces in the first place. The transverse cut redirects forces away from the hinge connection.
3Ease of operation
If perforation lines are placed on front and side panels for opening, then opening function is provided, but consumers unintentionally damage the container by pulling the lid after breaking only the front perforation
Solution Approach 1:
The transverse cut is pre-configured in the rear panel to guide the opening action. When consumers break the front perforation and pull the lid, the transverse cut ensures that the force is distributed properly and prevents unintended damage by providing a predetermined failure path that protects the hinge connection.
4Duration of action of moving object
If the lid is hingedly connected to the rear panel for repeated opening and closing, then reuse function is enabled, but the hinge connection suffers increased damage with repeated use
Solution Approach 1:
The transverse cut segments the rear panel to allow controlled movement during repeated opening and closing cycles. This segmentation reduces stress concentration at the hinge connection, enabling the lid to be opened and closed repeatedly without accumulating damage to the hinge.
Solution Approach 2:
The transverse cut introduces dynamic flexibility to the rear panel structure. During repeated opening and closing, the panel can adapt its movement pattern through the cut, distributing mechanical stresses more evenly and preventing fatigue failure at the hinge connection.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a container (1) comprising a main part and a lid (8)which is rotationally moveable around a folding line (21) in a rear panel (5) of the container (1). Parallel and spaced apart transverse cuts (31) are provided at or near a central part of the folding line (21), the transverse cuts (31) extending substantially symmetrically across and perpendicular to the folding line. An end cut (32) may be arranged near but at a distance from each end of the folding line (21), the end cuts (32) going through the thickness of the rear panel (5), and the folding line (21) being perforated between the end cuts (32) and the end of the folding line (21) adjacent to the side panels (4). The end cuts (32) may be in the form of two linear and coherent sub-cuts arranged non-perpendicular to the folding line (21).