Long Box Packaging with Open Channel for Media Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional long box packaging for prerecorded media is awkward and time-consuming to assemble, particularly in inserting the media case, and obstructs viewable information on the media case, requiring additional packaging versions or labels for format differentiation.
Innovation Solution
An improved long box design featuring an open top end and a contiguous front wall opening forming an open channel for easy media case insertion, a rear window for enhanced visibility, and a single closure flap at the bottom end to simplify assembly and maximize viewable area, with a transparent wrapper for securement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the media case is inserted through a narrow four-sided slot at the media-carrying end of the box, then the package provides secure containment, but the assembly operation becomes awkward and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The opening is divided into multiple access points: a top opening and a front opening, allowing the media case to be inserted from either direction. This segmentation of the insertion path eliminates the need for precise alignment through a single narrow slot while maintaining secure containment through the folded flaps and wrapper.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion operation is transitioned from a single-dimensional narrow slot to a multi-dimensional open channel accessible from both top and front. This dimensional expansion provides greater operational flexibility and ease of assembly while the folded flaps and transparent wrapper maintain the security function.
2Strength
If the front window covers the top portion of the media case, then the package provides structural support, but the viewable area of the media case is reduced and format information is obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The window opening is extracted from the front wall to be positioned at the top opening, and the media case is extracted from its conventional orientation to rest on the interior shelf with its front face exposed. This extraction of the window from the front and repositioning of the media case maximizes the viewable area while the folded flaps and wrapper provide the necessary structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The window is repositioned from a front-facing location to a top location, changing the spatial dimension of the opening. This allows the media case to be viewed from the front without obstruction while the top opening provides access for insertion and maintains structural integrity through the folded flaps.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple package versions or adhesive labels are used to indicate format, then the package can accommodate different media formats, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The package design is made universal by providing an unobstructed front view and top opening that can accommodate any media format. The interior shelf and open channel configuration work for both widescreen and fullscreen media cases, eliminating the need for different package versions or adhesive labels while maintaining the ability to indicate format through the media case itself.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved long box package for prerecorded media includes an elongated substantially rectangular box enclosure having a front wall, a rear wall, and a pair of first and second side walls. The box enclosure further includes an open top end, a bottom end adapted to be closed, and an interior shelf disposed between the top end and the bottom end for supporting the bottom end of a media case to be carried by the package. An opening is formed in the front wall that is contiguous with the open top end and which extends toward the shelf. In combination, the open top end and the contiguous front wall opening define an open channel for receiving the media case. The open channel facilitates rapid placement of the media case in the package by virtue of the media case not being restricted to insertion through the top end only.