Hinged Dual Compartment Package for Discreet Bulk Transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

Consumable products packaged in bulk are difficult to carry and transport due to their size and may publicly disclose sensitive contents, causing embarrassment to consumers.

Innovation Solution

A package design featuring two compartments joined by a hinge and a handle that allows the package to fold and conceal branding during transport, making it easier to grasp and carry while maintaining product visibility on shelves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If products are packaged in large bulk quantities, then price per unit is reduced and shipping costs are decreased, but the packages become difficult to carry and hold

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebulk quantityVSAvoidease of carrying

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The package is divided into two separate compartments (first compartment and second compartment) that can be folded together. Each compartment can be separated independently, allowing the consumer to carry only the needed quantity while maintaining the bulk package's shipping efficiency and price advantages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If large bulk packages are used, then manufacturing and shipping efficiency is improved, but the packages prominently indicate contents causing embarrassment to consumers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidconsumer embarrassment

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the bulk package into two distinct compartments with a hinge connection, the design allows the compartments to be folded together in a compact configuration that conceals the nature of the contents, reducing consumer embarrassment while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The package transitions between a display configuration (compartments extended) that shows branding and contents for retail purposes, and a transport configuration (compartments folded together) that conceals contents during carrying, dynamically adapting to different usage contexts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If a hinge connection is used to join compartments, then the package can be folded for discreet transport, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediscreet transport capabilityVSAvoidpackage structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A hinge acts as an intermediary element connecting the two compartments, enabling the folding motion that transitions the package from display to transport configuration. The hinge provides the necessary mechanical linkage while keeping the structure relatively simple and easy to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9469455B2Discreet dual packaging

Publication Date: 2016.10.18 KIMBERLY CLARK WORLDWIDE INC

AI summary

A package includes a first compartment joined to a second compartment by a hinge. A handle bridges the hinge and is connected with the first compartment and the second compartment. The package has a display condition wherein the brand faces are exposed and a transport condition wherein the brand faces are concealed. The handle and hinge are configured such that the package is transformed from the display condition to the transport condition by applying force to the handle.