Foldable Parcel Lid Guidance for First-Try Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Reusable packages face issues with correct alignment and locking of the lid during folding, particularly due to material deformations, leading to incomplete closure on the first attempt.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of guide means, including guide slides and male guide elements with flared entrances, to ensure precise alignment and locking of the lid by forcing the lid's front edge against the upper edge of the front panel during closure, compensating for material deformations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If reusable package materials are used, then the package can be used multiple times, but material deformations occur over time leading to misalignment of locking means

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackage lifespanVSAvoidlocking means alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces guide means as an intermediary element between the lid and the case. These guide means include guide elements on the case and corresponding guide recesses on the lid, which work together to ensure proper alignment of the locking means during the closing operation, compensating for material deformations that occur during the package's lifespan.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide means are designed with specific geometric parameters that change or adapt to accommodate material deformations. The guide elements and guide recesses have dimensions and tolerances that allow them to compensate for the gradual deformation of reusable package materials, maintaining alignment precision throughout the package's service life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If guide means are added to ensure precise alignment, then locking reliability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidguide means structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide means are segmented into multiple independent guide elements distributed around the periphery of the package. Each guide element works independently to maintain alignment in its local area, allowing the system to achieve reliable overall alignment without requiring a single complex centralized guiding mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of making the lid complex with multiple adjustment mechanisms, the patent places the guide elements on the stationary case and the guide recesses on the moving lid. This inversion allows the guiding function to be achieved through the interaction of simple features on both parts, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS12612211B2Foldable parcel comprising means for guiding a cover

Publication Date: 2026.04.28 PA COTTE SA

AI summary

A foldable parcel is disclosed, which can transition between a use configuration, where a bottom and surrounding panels form a box, and a flat configuration, where the panels and a cover lie substantially parallel to the bottom. The parcel includes a locking mechanism that secures the cover in a closured position by forming a mechanical connection between the upper edge of the front panel and a front edge of the cover. It also includes a guide mechanism that assists in positioning the cover into its closed position.