Foldable Box Structure With Self-Locking Tape-Free Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging solutions, particularly in industrial contexts, require adhesive tape for closure, leading to increased processing times, costs, and environmental impact, while existing alternatives lack robustness and practicality for diverse applications.
Innovation Solution
A foldable, reusable box with an origami-inspired design featuring flaps, creases, and fitting areas that allow for quick assembly and disassembly without adhesive tape, using oblique creases and protrusions for secure closure and robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive tape is used for closing packaging boxes, then the containment and security of goods is improved, but the processing time, costs, and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The box structure performs the closing function automatically through its own geometric design. The tetrahedral flaps with oblique creases self-lock into place through gravity and geometric interlocking, eliminating the need for external adhesive tape or manual sealing operations. The structure serves its own closing function, transforming the packaging system into a self-sealing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive tape component is completely removed from the packaging system. The closing function that was previously dependent on an external adhesive tape element is now achieved through the intrinsic geometric properties of the box structure itself, particularly the interlocking tetrahedral flaps that secure without additional materials.
2Reliability
If adhesive tape is used for closing packaging boxes, then the containment and security of goods is improved, but the environmental impact and sustainability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive tape component is completely removed from the packaging system. The closing function that was previously dependent on an external adhesive tape element is now achieved through the intrinsic geometric properties of the box structure itself, particularly the interlocking tetrahedral flaps that secure without additional materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention eliminates disposable adhesive tape in favor of a reusable, durable box structure. The single-piece origami design can be opened and closed multiple times without degradation, replacing the single-use nature of adhesive tape with a sustainable, repeatable sealing mechanism.
3Reliability
If conventional cardboard boxes with adhesive tape are used, then the containment function is achieved, but the assembly and closing process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The box is designed as a single-piece structure with segmented folding zones marked by oblique creases. The tetrahedral flaps are pre-formed segments that fold into place through standardized crease patterns, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining containment function. The segmentation is built into the flat-pack design, allowing intuitive assembly without complex steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The box structure performs the closing function automatically through its own geometric design. The tetrahedral flaps with oblique creases self-lock into place through gravity and geometric interlocking, eliminating the need for external adhesive tape or manual sealing operations. The structure serves its own closing function, transforming the packaging system into a self-sealing mechanism.
4Ease of operation
If Velcro strips are used for sealing box lids, then the ease of storage and transportation is improved, but the strength and load-bearing capacity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing mechanism uses three-dimensional tetrahedral geometric forms rather than flat Velcro strips. The oblique creases create triangular pyramidal structures that interlock through their geometric shape, providing mechanical strength through curvature and angular interlocking rather than relying on adhesive strip strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism combines multiple geometric elements (tetrahedral flaps, oblique creases, interlocking surfaces) into a composite structural system. The strength comes from the combination of these geometric features working together, creating a load-bearing closure system that is both strong and easy to operate.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
Quick-assembly foldable box and respective assembly method, wherein said box comprises a board made of foldable material to form a volume for product storage, wherein the board comprises: a base portion (2) to form a base of the box; a front flap (3) and a rear flap (1) arranged opposite relative to the base portion for forming, respectively, a front wall of the box and a rear wall of the box; and two side flaps (5) arranged opposite relative to the base portion for forming the side walls of the box; wherein said board comprises a crease between the base portion and the front flap, a crease between the base portion and the rear flap, a crease between the base portion and each of the side flaps; wherein each of the side flaps comprises two slots (8) each for receiving a protrusion.