Folding Box Step Support Using Slotted Flap Tabs for Load Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Folding boxes with multiple levels struggle to securely position the step under load, as existing flaps do not provide sufficient stability when handling goods, leading to potential shifting during use.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of securing tabs on the flaps that can be bent around a fold line to engage with slots on the support web, allowing the flaps to rest outside and provide angularly rigid support, ensuring the step remains fixed and stable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If flaps are provided on the side walls to support the step, then the step can be supported, but the flaps do not provide sufficient stability under load and the step shifts during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The flap is divided into two functional parts: a support surface portion that rests against the support web and a securing tab portion that engages with a slot. This segmentation allows the flap to simultaneously provide both support and secure positioning, resolving the contradiction between basic support capability and load-bearing stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing tab is integrated into the flap structure and nested within a slot on the support web. This nesting arrangement creates a interlocking mechanism where the tab fits into the slot to prevent flap displacement, thereby ensuring step stability under load while maintaining a compact design.
2Ease of operation
If a significant gap is maintained between the support leg and side walls to pivot flaps, then flaps can be pivoted against the support web, but the step remains insufficiently fixed under load
Solution Approach 1:
The flap is pre-configured with an integrated securing tab that automatically engages with the slot on the support web during the pivoting operation. This preliminary design ensures that as the flap is pivoted into position, the securing tab simultaneously locks into the slot, providing immediate stabilization without requiring additional operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing mechanism is designed to be self-activating during the normal pivoting operation. As the flap is pivoted against the support web, the securing tab automatically engages with the slot through the motion itself, making the stabilization process self-service and eliminating the need for separate securing actions.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A folding box is described comprising a back wall (1), side walls (2) adjoining the back wall (1), a front wall (3) connecting the side walls (2) to each other, and a bottom (4) made of bottom sections (6, 7) attached to the side walls (2) and the front wall (3), wherein the back wall (1) has a folding extension (9) provided at the bottom edge, which, separated by folding lines (10), forms a bottom leg (8), a support rib (11) projecting from the bottom leg (8), and a receiving leg (12) bent back towards the back wall (1) and glued to the back wall (1) to form a step, for securing which two flaps (20) are provided which can be pivoted from the side walls (2) about an axis (21) parallel to the back wall (1) against the step.In order to enable advantageous step support, it is proposed that the flaps (20) provided on the front wall side of their pivot axis (21), which can be attached to the outside of the support web (11), have a locking tab (22) which can be bent about a folding line (23) against the support web (11) and which engage in a slot (24) provided in the support web (11).