Lid Corner Internal Layer Cutout for Tension-Relieved Reinforcement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Paperboard and cardboard containers face limitations in mechanical characteristics, particularly in maintaining structural integrity under stress and tension, especially at lid corners, which can lead to weakening or breakage, and manufacturing issues due to accumulated cutout debris.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a reinforced lid corner design with a controlled preliminary weakening of the internal layer through a cutout shape that releases tension, allowing for precise manufacturing and improved structural integrity without compromising recyclability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If reinforcement layers are accumulated at lid corners to improve structural integrity, then strength is improved, but mechanical tensions within the corner structure increase leading to weakening or breakage of external layers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrity of lid cornerVSAvoidrisk of layer breakage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes portions of the internal reinforcement layer at the lid corner to release accumulated mechanical tensions. This extraction of material from the internal layer prevents the tensions from being transferred to and breaking the external layer, while maintaining sufficient structural integrity through the remaining reinforcement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary weakening of the internal layer through cutouts before the lid corner is formed. This preliminary action releases tensions in advance, preventing the harmful effect of layer breakage during subsequent forming or use, rather than allowing tensions to accumulate and then fail.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Reliability

If cutout shapes are removed from internal layers to release tension, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing line speed decreases due to accumulation of cutout debris

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavoidance of layer breakageVSAvoidmanufacturing line speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful accumulation of cutout debris into a beneficial self-removal mechanism. The cutout shapes are designed to be automatically removed by suction or gravity during the forming process, transforming the manufacturing nuisance into a feature that aids in tension release and debris management simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Strength

If multiple reinforcement layers are attached prior to forming corner structure, then strength is improved, but bending forces increase risking undesired flap folding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorner structure strengthVSAvoidflap folding accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes portions of the internal reinforcement layer to create cutouts that reduce the mass and stiffness in specific areas. This extraction allows the flaps to bend more easily during forming without risking undesired folding, while the remaining reinforcement maintains sufficient corner strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS12570430B2Lid corner with internal layer cutout shape

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

Disclosed here is a container that includes a box, a lid, and a lock.