Foldable Open-Resistant Container Latching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current plastic containers used for food packaging can be opened by consumers, leading to potential theft, unauthorized tampering, and subsequent disputes, as they lack secure opening mechanisms that prevent resealing.
Innovation Solution
A foldable open-resistant container design featuring a first box body with an extension portion, holding member, and latching mechanism that separates irreversibly upon opening, ensuring the user can visually confirm if the container has been opened, thus preventing mistaken use and reducing disputes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional plastic container is used, then the container is easy to open and close, but the container can be reopened after opening, leading to potential theft and unauthorized tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is divided into separate components: a first latching member on the first box body and a second latching member on the second box body. These segments work together to create a secure connection that prevents reopening while maintaining ease of initial opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The perforation line is pre-formed between the holding member and first latching member, allowing the first latching member to be easily separated from the holding member during initial opening. This preliminary preparation enables one-handed opening while the latching members remain engaged to prevent reopening.
2Reliability
If a secure latching mechanism is implemented, then the container prevents unauthorized opening, but the container cannot be easily opened by consumers
Solution Approach 1:
The perforation line is pre-formed to allow easy separation of the first latching member from the holding member during initial opening. This preliminary preparation enables consumers to open the container easily with one hand, while the latching members remain engaged to prevent reopening.
Solution Approach 2:
The first latching member acts as an intermediary component that connects the holding member to the second latching member during closing, then separates from the holding member during opening while remaining engaged with the second latching member to prevent reopening. This intermediary mechanism reconciles easy opening with security.
3Ease of operation
If the container allows reopening after opening, then the container is easy to use, but the container cannot prevent mistaken consumption or theft
Solution Approach 1:
The first latching member is designed to be separated from the holding member after initial opening, creating a visible indication that the container has been opened. The perforation line breaks, providing a clear visual cue that prevents mistaken consumption while the container body can still be reused for storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The broken perforation line creates a visible visual change that indicates the container has been opened. This visual indication serves as a clear signal to prevent mistaken consumption or theft, while the container structure remains intact for continued use.
4Reliability
If a complex latching mechanism with multiple components is used, then the container provides better security, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is divided into simple segments: holding member, first latching member, and second latching member. Each component has a straightforward geometry and function, reducing manufacturing complexity while providing effective security through their coordinated interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The first latching member combines multiple functions: it connects to the holding member during closing, separates from the holding member during opening to provide security indication, and engages with the second latching member to prevent reopening. This merging of functions into a single component reduces overall mechanism complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
A foldable open-resistant container (1) comprises a first box body (11) and a second box body (12). The first box body (11) comprises a first body portion (110) and an extension portion (111). The extension portion (111) is extending from an end corner of the first body portion (110). The extension portion (111) comprises a holding member (112), a first latching member (113), and a perforation line (114). The holding member (112) is extending from the first body portion (110). The perforation line (114) connects the holding member (112) and the first latching member (113). The second box body (12) comprises a second body portion (120), a bending member (122), and a second latching member (123). The bending member (122) comprises a bending area (1221) extending from an end corner of the second body portion (120). The second latching member (123) is on the bending member (122). When the first box body (11) is combined with the second box body (12), the bending member (122) is bent along the bending area (1221), and the first latching member (113) is fitted into the second latching member (123) to position the first box body (11) with the second box body (12) when the first box body (11) is separated from the second box body (12), the perforation line (114) is broken so that the first latching member (113) is separated from the holding member (112) and fixed to the second latching member (123).