Modular box assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Packaging for temperature-sensitive contents faces challenges such as spoilage, destabilization, freezing, melting, or evaporation due to temperature extremes during shipping and storage, and existing insulated packages are often bulky, specialized, non-recyclable, and contribute to landfill waste.
Innovation Solution
A modular box assembly with adjustable configurations, an insulating liner, and a reusable handle, allowing for efficient storage, shipping, and temperature control, while being recyclable and biodegradable to reduce environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional insulated packages are used to maintain temperature for sensitive goods, then temperature control is achieved, but the packages become bulky and difficult to store
Solution Approach 1:
The insulated package is divided into separate modular components: an insulated container body and a removable insulated lid. This segmentation allows the components to be nested within each other when not in use, significantly reducing storage volume while maintaining full insulation functionality when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulated lid is designed to nest within the container body when removed, creating a compact storage configuration. This nesting arrangement reduces the overall storage volume required while preserving the complete insulated package functionality when the lid is reattached.
2Adaptability or versatility
If specialized insulated packages are maintained for different applications (hot, chilled, frozen goods), then specific temperature requirements are met, but inventory complexity and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The insulated package is designed as a universal container that can accommodate different temperature requirements through interchangeable inserts and liners. The same basic container structure can be used for hot, chilled, or frozen goods by simply changing the insulation insert type, eliminating the need for separate specialized packages for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The package allows adjustment of insulation parameters by swapping inserts with different thermal properties. Users can change the insulation level and thermal characteristics by replacing inserts, enabling the same container to adapt to different temperature requirements without changing the basic package structure.
3Temperature
If non-recyclable insulated packages are used for temperature control, then temperature maintenance is achieved, but environmental sustainability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The package design enables recovery and recycling of all components including the insulated container, lid, and inserts. The modular construction allows easy disassembly and separation of materials for appropriate recycling streams, transforming the package from a disposable item to a recoverable resource that can be reused or recycled.
Solution Approach 2:
The package utilizes composite material construction with recyclable components such as corrugated cardboard, paper insulation, and biodegradable materials. These composite materials maintain effective temperature insulation while being environmentally friendly and suitable for recycling or composting programs.
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 desired temperatures for sensitive goods, reduces storage space, and promotes sustainability by being recyclable and biodegradable, addressing the inefficiencies of traditional packaging methods.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating liner, and a reusable handle, allowing for efficient storage, shipping, and temperature control
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a box, a modular box assembly, and a method of assembling a box. The box can comprise a center panel defining a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a first end, and a second end opposite the first end; a first locking panel extending from the first side, the first locking panel comprising a pair of wings, each of the wings defining a locking slot; a second locking panel extending from the second side, the second locking panel comprising a pair of locking tabs, each of the locking tabs engaging a corresponding one of the locking slots; a first side flap panel extending from the first end; and a second side flap panel extending from the second end.