Foldable Packaging Container With Dual-Volume Shipping Configurations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging containers are typically single-use, leading to waste and do not efficiently adapt to different packaging needs, causing issues in shipping such as crumpling, hindered scanning, and complex storage management.

Innovation Solution

A packaging container that can be converted into two different configurations via folding methods, utilizing dimensionally stable sidepieces to attach opposite faces, allowing for adaptable volume and robustness, with flexible joints for collapsibility and reusable materials for sustainability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If flexible mailing bags are used, then adaptability to different goods shapes is improved, but structural stability and protection are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different goods shapesVSAvoidstructural stability and protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging container uses flexible material panels that can be folded and configured into different shapes, providing adaptability to different goods while maintaining structural integrity through the folding configuration and rigid sidepiece

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The container is divided into multiple panels connected by folding lines, allowing the structure to be segmented and reconfigured. This segmentation enables the container to adapt to different goods shapes while each panel maintains its structural contribution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If flexible mailing bags are used, then adaptability to different goods shapes is improved, but reliability in shipping process is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different goods shapesVSAvoidreliability in shipping process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible material panels with defined folding lines create a structure that is both adaptable and reliable, preventing crumpling while allowing shape adjustment for different goods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The container transitions from a static rigid box to a dynamic flexible structure that can be configured for different goods shapes, yet maintains reliability through its folded configuration and fastening mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If boxes with predetermined size are used, then protection and volumetric weighting are improved, but adaptability to different packaging needs are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection and volumetric weightingVSAvoidadaptability to different packaging needs

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The container transforms from a fixed-size box to a dynamic structure that can be configured in different volumes and shapes by folding panels along defined lines, providing both protection and adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A single container design serves multiple functions by being configurable for different goods shapes and volumes, replacing the need for multiple predetermined box sizes while maintaining protective capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of manufacture

If single-use packaging containers are used, then ease of manufacture and disposal are improved, but sustainability and waste reduction are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufacture and disposalVSAvoidsustainability and waste reduction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The container is designed for reuse rather than single-use, with fastening mechanisms that allow it to be closed and returned, recovering the packaging for multiple trips and reducing waste

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The container includes self-contained fastening mechanisms (zippers, flaps, or ties) that enable easy opening and closing for multiple uses, making the reusable container convenient and practical

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12600523B2Packaging container and folding methods for packaging container

Publication Date: 2026.04.14 DEUT POST AG

AI summary

A packaging container for shipping goods is configured for conversion from a shelf configuration into a first packaging configuration by a first folding method, and from the shelf configuration into a second packaging configuration by a second folding method, wherein in the shelf configuration the packaging container is collapsible such that two opposite faces of the packaging container come in direct con-tact with each other, wherein in the first and second packaging configuration the packaging container is configured such that two opposite faces of the packaging container are attached to each other by a dimensionally stable sidepiece, and wherein a volume enclosed by the packaging container in the first packaging configuration is different from a volume enclosed by the packaging container in the second packaging configuration.