Retail Ready Container with Frangible Lid for Tool-Free Flattening

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shipping containers are difficult to flatten and recycle efficiently, often requiring tools like knives, which can damage goods and result in irregular, sharp pieces that are hard to store or recycle, and can create an unappealing display when cut.

Innovation Solution

A shipping container apparatus with a detachable lid that can be easily converted into a single panel for storage and recycling without tools, featuring frangibly integrated separable members and a flap opening mechanism that allows the container to be flattened into a single panel, using corrugated paperboard materials and adhesives for construction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a knife or blade is used to cut the container, then the container can be dissected into pieces to save storage room, but it may result in damage to the goods through inadvertent contact with the knife, creates sharp edges that make sorting and stacking inconvenient, and is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage space utilizationVSAvoidcontainer disassembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The container is designed with pre-scored lines and frangible portions that allow it to be segmented into flat panels without cutting tools. The flaps and walls are pre-marked with score lines that guide the folding and separation process, enabling easy disassembly into manageable pieces for storage or recycling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The container incorporates pre-scored lines and frangible portions during manufacturing, preparing the structure in advance for easy disassembly. These pre-prepared weak points allow the container to be flattened and separated without requiring force or cutting tools during the disposal phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If a knife or blade is used to cut the container, then pieces can be obtained, but it creates sharp edges that make subsequent sorting, stacking, wrapping, or fastening inconvenient and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer processing easeVSAvoidsorting and stacking efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The container is designed to fold into flat panels with smooth edges rather than being cut into irregular pieces. This segmentation into standardized flat panels eliminates sharp edges and creates uniform shapes that are easier to sort, stack, and process efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of cutting the container to flatten it, the design inverts the approach by pre-scoring and folding the container to naturally collapse into flat panels. This reverse engineering of the flattening process eliminates the need for cutting and produces clean, safe edges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If cutting is performed to display goods, then the container can operate as a display device, but it leads to an unappealing visual display of the product inside

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay functionVSAvoidvisual appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The container uses pre-scored fold lines to create clean, geometric display openings rather than arbitrary cuts. This allows the container to be opened and configured for display purposes while maintaining smooth edges and an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The container has different structural qualities in different areas: frangible portions for easy opening, scored lines for clean folding, and reinforced areas for structural integrity. This local differentiation allows the container to serve both protective and display functions while maintaining visual appeal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Volume of moving object

If the container is flattened for recycling, then storage space is reduced, but it requires tools like knives which makes the process time-consuming and dangerous

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage space requirementVSAvoidflattening process time

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The container is pre-scored and pre-folded during manufacturing with frangible portions positioned to facilitate easy collapse. This preliminary preparation allows the container to be flattened by hand without tools, significantly reducing the time and effort required for recycling preparation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The container's own structure, with its pre-scored lines and frangible portions, enables it to be flattened without external tools or assistance. The design inherently provides the means for its own compacting, making the recycling process simpler and faster.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9193521B2Retail and recycle ready container

Publication Date: 2015.11.24 MARS INC

AI summary

A shipping container particularly adapted for both displaying goods therein and flattening to a single panel after use is provided herein. The shipping container apparatus is ready for unfolding and is convertible for storage and/or recycling. The shipping container includes a lid releasably attachable to a tray, wherein the lid has at least one wall member juxtaposed to at least one portion of the tray.