Modular box assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Packaging and shipping of temperature-sensitive contents face challenges due to spoilage, destabilization, freezing, melting, or evaporation when temperature is not maintained, and existing insulated packages are often bulky, specialized, non-recyclable, and contribute to landfill waste.
Innovation Solution
A modular box assembly with an adjustable configuration that includes an insulating liner to maintain temperature, a handle for easy carrying, and a collapsible design for space-efficient storage and shipping, using recyclable materials to reduce waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If insulated packages are designed to maintain temperature for shipping hot, chilled, or frozen goods, then temperature maintenance capability is improved, but device complexity and bulkiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single insulated box structure that can serve multiple temperature-related functions (shipping hot, chilled, or frozen goods) through the use of interchangeable inserts rather than requiring separate specialized packages for each temperature requirement. This reduces device complexity while maintaining temperature maintenance capability across different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the insulated box into modular components including the main box structure, removable inserts, and interchangeable inserts that can be configured for different temperature requirements. This segmentation allows the system to maintain temperature capability for various goods types without increasing overall package complexity, as each segment can be independently selected and assembled.
2Manufacturing precision
If insulated packages are specialized for different temperature requirements, then temperature control precision is improved, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by creating a standardized box platform that can accommodate multiple types of inserts for different temperature control needs (hot, chilled, frozen), allowing a single package design to adapt to various temperature control precision requirements without sacrificing versatility. The interchangeable insert system enables the same base structure to serve multiple specialized functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics through the interchangeable and reconfigurable nature of the inserts, which can be dynamically changed based on the specific temperature control requirements of different shipments. This dynamic adaptability allows the package system to maintain precision temperature control for each application while remaining versatile across multiple applications.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional packaging materials are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but environmental harm increases due to non-recyclability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from traditional non-recyclable packaging materials to recyclable materials while maintaining the structural and functional parameters of the insulated box. This material parameter change enables the package to be manufactured with similar ease using recyclable alternatives, thereby reducing environmental harm and landfill waste without compromising manufacturing simplicity.
4Temperature
If bulky insulated packages are used to maintain temperature, then temperature maintenance capability is improved, but storage volume efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by designing collapsible sides that allow the insulated box to be compressed into a compact form for storage when not in use, while maintaining the full temperature maintenance capability when deployed. The nested structure enables the package to occupy minimal storage volume while preserving its insulating function, effectively nesting the functional structure within a compact storage form.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through the collapsible and expandable side structure that can transition between a deployed state for temperature maintenance and a collapsed state for compact storage. This dynamic structural change allows the package to optimize its volume based on usage requirements, maintaining temperature capability when needed while minimizing storage footprint when not in use.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The modular box assembly effectively maintains temperature-sensitive goods during transport, reduces storage space, and promotes recyclability, addressing the issues of bulkiness and non-recyclable packaging materials.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating liner to maintain temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A modular box assembly includes a box having a top end, an opposed bottom end, and side panels extending from the top end to the bottom end. A bottom panel is disposed at the bottom end such that the side panels and the bottom panel define a box cavity and the top end defines a box opening. A shoulder is attached to two side panel and extends inward from the side panels into the box cavity, wherein each shoulder is spaced from the top end a predetermined distance. A box top covers the box opening, the box top being selectively movable about and between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the top panel engages the shoulders to support the top panel, and in the closed position an upper surface of the top panel is substantially flush with the top end of the box.