Folded Cardboard Lid Support for Container Rigidity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cardboard containers lack sufficient mechanical strength and resistance to bending, limiting their use in applications requiring rigidity, while alternative materials may not be easily recyclable, leading to a compromise between strength and environmental sustainability.

Innovation Solution

A cardboard support element is integrated into the lid of a cardboard container, providing three-dimensional reinforcement through folding and gluing at the supplier facility, enhancing rigidity without significantly impacting manufacturing efficiency or requiring additional capital investment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cardboard is used as the packaging material, then environmental sustainability and recyclability are improved, but mechanical strength and resistance to bending deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproverecyclabilityVSAvoidmechanical strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining cardboard with a plastic insert to create a hybrid structure. The plastic insert is positioned within the cardboard container to provide mechanical reinforcement, while the cardboard outer layer maintains its recyclability. This composite approach allows the container to achieve both enhanced mechanical strength and environmental sustainability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by placing the plastic insert only in specific areas where mechanical reinforcement is needed, rather than using plastic throughout the entire container. This selective placement provides targeted strength enhancement while minimizing the amount of non-recyclable material used, balancing mechanical performance with environmental considerations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If a reinforcing member is added to the cardboard container, then mechanical strength is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a thin plastic insert rather than a complex three-dimensional reinforcing structure. This thin film approach provides effective mechanical reinforcement while maintaining simplicity in the overall container design. The plastic insert can be easily integrated into the cardboard container without requiring complex assembly procedures or additional structural elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Strength

If a three-dimensional reinforcing piece is glued to the container, then mechanical strength is improved, but manufacturing time and productivity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the plastic insert in a flat, two-dimensional configuration before it is needed in the final product. This flat insert can be easily handled, transported, and integrated into the cardboard container during the manufacturing process. The plastic insert is designed to be inserted and secured in a simple manner that does not significantly slow down the manufacturing line, maintaining productivity while providing the necessary mechanical reinforcement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4446244B1Lid for a cardboard container wherein the lid comprises a cardboard support element
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO
  • EP4446244B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4446244B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1D
  • EP4446244B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

Examples include a cardboard support element for a cardboard container, the support element comprising a cardboard structure extending away from a base plane and a first flap connected to the cardboard structure and extended in a direction normal to the base plane.