Food Container Hinge Mechanism for Flat-to-Erect Transformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food containers are inefficient in transitioning between flat and erect configurations for storage and transportation, require additional tabs or gluing, and do not effectively utilize material, leading to increased costs and potential leakage issues.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring triangular side walls and rectangular end walls with a three-part hinge mechanism that allows for easy transformation between flat and erect positions without additional tabs or gluing, enhancing material efficiency and providing a secure seal through a double thickness basal surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional container construction methods are used with tabs and gluing, then the container can be assembled, but the process is time-consuming and requires additional materials
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into modular components (side walls, end walls, base) that are pre-formed and then assembled through folding and interlocking. The hinge means are segmented into multiple parts (first hinge part, second hinge part, third hinge part) that work together to enable the transformation from flat to erect configuration without requiring tabs or gluing.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge means integrate multiple functions into a single structural element. The first hinge part hingedly connects to the side wall, the second hinge part rigidly connects to the end wall, and the third hinge part provides additional support. These combined elements enable the container to transform between flat and erect configurations while maintaining structural integrity and providing a secure seal, eliminating the need for separate tabs and gluing operations.
2Reliability
If more material is used for container construction, then structural integrity is improved, but material costs and waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The container design incorporates dynamic hinge means that allow the structure to transform from a flat configuration to an erect configuration. The hinge parts are designed to flex and move during assembly, enabling the container to achieve its final three-dimensional form with proper sealing without requiring excessive material. The third hinge part specifically provides additional support to maintain seal integrity while using material efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge means are designed with specific geometric parameters and folding angles that optimize the distribution of material strength. By carefully designing the hinge part dimensions and their arrangement, the container achieves reliable sealing and structural integrity while minimizing material usage. The third hinge part is positioned and dimensioned to provide maximum support with minimum material.
3Ease of operation
If the container is designed for easy transformation between flat and erect positions, then storage and transportation efficiency is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge means are pre-assembled and pre-positioned on the container components during manufacturing. The first hinge part is attached to the side wall, the second hinge part is attached to the end wall, and the third hinge part is positioned to provide additional support. This preliminary preparation allows the container to be transformed from flat to erect configuration simply by folding along the pre-defined hinge lines, without requiring complex assembly operations or additional tools during use.
4Volume of moving object
If the container uses a flat configuration for storage, then storage space is optimized, but the structural strength for containing food is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed to exist in two distinct configurations: a flat configuration for storage and transportation, and an erect configuration for containing food. The hinge means enable dynamic transformation between these states. In the flat configuration, the container occupies minimal space. When erected, the hinge parts fold to form the three-dimensional container structure with adequate structural strength. The third hinge part specifically reinforces the structure in the erect position to ensure food containment integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A container for receiving a food product is formed from a shaped blank of paper, paperboard, cardboard or a similar material. A hinge arrangement comprising at least two and preferably three parts is provided between one of the side walls and one of the end walls to allow the partially formed container to be moved easily between a flat configuration suitable for transportation or storage and an erect configuration for receiving a food product. In the erect configuration one part of the hinge arrangement is sandwiched between another part of hinge arrangement and the end wail. In the flat configuration these two parts of the hinge arrangement lie in substantially the same plane. An integral lid may be provided.