Corrugated Paper Horticulture Container With Folded Tab Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional horticulture containers, particularly plastic pots, pose disposal challenges due to their unrecyclability and environmental impact, and alternative materials like corrugated paper containers are needed to address these issues.
Innovation Solution
A horticulture container made from a monolithic substrate of corrugated paper material, featuring interconnected faces, creases, and tabs or adhesive connections to form a cavity with a single access point, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, and potentially incorporating environmentally friendly additives for enhanced properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If plastic pots are used for horticulture containers, then durability and manufacturability are improved, but environmental friendliness and recyclability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from plastic to corrugated paper, fundamentally altering the environmental properties while maintaining structural functionality through the unique folded geometry and tab-slot connection system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs corrugated paper as a composite material structure, utilizing the fluted intermediate layer between inner and outer liners to achieve both strength and environmental compatibility, combining material properties to create a sustainable alternative
2Ease of manufacture
If plastic pots are used for horticulture containers, then manufacturability is improved, but disposal and recycling difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a disposable horticulture container made from biodegradable corrugated paper that can be easily disposed of or composted after use, eliminating the need for complex recycling processes and simplifying end-of-life management
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables easy discarding of the container after plant transplantation through its simple monolithic structure, while also facilitating recovery through natural biodegradation or composting, returning materials to the environment without requiring industrial recycling
3Ease of operation
If a monolithic substrate with tabs and slots is used, then assembly simplicity is improved, but structural complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the corrugated paper substrate into distinct functional segments including tabs, slots, and folded panels, allowing simple self-assembly through insertion and folding actions while maintaining overall structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the container so that it assembles itself through intuitive folding and tab-slot connections without requiring external tools or complex assembly procedures, making the formation process simple and user-friendly
4Object-affected harmful factors
If corrugated paper material is used, then environmental friendliness and recyclability are improved, but moisture resistance worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes corrugated paper's composite structure with fluted intermediate layers and liner boards to create moisture-resistant properties while maintaining environmental compatibility, the layered composition providing both protection and biodegradability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs the flexible corrugated paper substrate as a protective shell that provides moisture barrier properties through its layered construction, allowing the container to resist moisture penetration while remaining environmentally friendly
Data Source
AI summary
A horticulture container that includes a substrate that is integrally formed. The substrate includes faces interconnected and separated by creases, a lip formed by the faces, and one or more tabs that are secured to at least one of the faces to maintain a shape of the horticulture container. The faces define a cavity of the horticulture container. The cavity is enclosed by the faces and access to the cavity is only permitted through the opening.