Leaf-Shaped Dispenser Box for Stackable Sheet Dispensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dispenser boxes for stackable sheet materials struggle to balance display properties, containment, and dispensing functions, particularly in retail settings, as they either distort the stack configuration or cannot be efficiently stacked and displayed.

Innovation Solution

A dispenser box with leaf-shaped end walls and partly curved main walls that accommodate conventional rectangular stacks with minimal distortion, offering increased printable surface area for improved display and ease of handling while maintaining stability and cost-effectiveness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a conventional rectangular box is used, then the package can be efficiently stacked and stored, but the exposed surface area for display is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexposed surface areaVSAvoidstackability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies curvature to the end walls of the rectangular box, transforming them from flat surfaces to curved surfaces. This curvature increases the exposed surface area for display while maintaining the overall rectangular structure that enables efficient stacking. The curved end walls create a more visually appealing display surface without compromising the box's ability to be stacked and stored efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Area of stationary object

If rounded surfaces are used to increase exposed area, then display properties improve, but the package cannot accommodate conventional rectangular stacks without distortion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexposed surface areaVSAvoidstack configuration accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by curving only the end walls while keeping the main body and other surfaces rectangular. This localized curvature allows the package to display information effectively on the curved end walls while maintaining rectangular compatibility for stacking and accommodating rectangular sheet stacks internally without distortion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If a convex top is used to facilitate removal, then dispensing function improves, but the overall rectangular shape and stackability are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesheet removal easeVSAvoidrectangular shape
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies curvature to the end walls to create a gentle convex surface that facilitates sheet removal through the dispensing opening. The curved surfaces guide the sheets toward the opening and reduce friction, making removal easier while preserving the overall rectangular shape of the box for efficient stacking and storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentEP2694398B1Dispenser, blank, method
Publication Date: 2016.03.30 SCA HYGIENE PRODUCTS AB
  • EP2694398B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2694398B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2694398B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A dispenser box (200, 300) having a modified rectangular shape with leaf-shaped end walls (236, 237; 336,337) and partly curved main walls (250, 25; 350, 351) that may form symmetrically or non-symmetrically configured halves of the dispenser box (200, 300). The first main wall (250; 350) has a substantially flat surface extending from a first side edge (238; 338) of the dispenser box (200, 300) and changing into a curved surface when moving in a direction from the first side edge (238; 338) towards a second side edge (239; 339) of the dispenser box. The second main wall (251; 351) has a corresponding substantially flat surface at the second side edge (239; 339) which changes into a curved surface when moving in a direction towards the first side edge (238; 338).