Movable Separation Panel Container for Material-Efficient Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging solutions for containers, such as those used for carrying cups and beverages, often require excessive materials, compromising cost-effectiveness and do not provide a convenient forming experience.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a movable separation panel and hinged side panels that can transition between flat, box, and formed configurations, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, reducing material usage while maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If extended handles, cup carriers, or large folding trays are used to address carrying and serving challenges, then the container can perform multiple functions, but significantly more material is required and cost effectiveness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed with a movable separation panel that can be positioned in multiple locations, allowing the same container structure to serve different functions (carrying single items, multiple items, compartmentalized storage) without requiring separate specialized containers for each function. The separation panel acts as a universal solution that adapts to various carrying and serving needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is divided into segments by the movable separation panel, which can be positioned to create compartments as needed. This segmentation allows the container to be customized for different purposes (e.g., separating different food items, creating portions) while using the same basic container structure, thereby avoiding the need for additional material.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional packaging solutions are used to provide structural support and carrying capability, then the container can maintain stability, but the forming process becomes complex and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The separation panel is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be easily repositioned or removed as needed. This dynamic design enables the container to transition between different configurations (with or without compartments) without requiring complex assembly or disassembly procedures, thereby improving forming convenience while maintaining stability when the panel is in place.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional mechanisms are added to enable container transformation and compartmentalization, then the container can adapt to different configurations, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separation panel is designed to be manually movable without requiring additional mechanisms such as motors, springs, or complex hinges. The panel can be easily slid or positioned by hand into different locations, allowing the container to self-adapt to different configurations through simple user action rather than complex mechanical systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A container movable between a flat configuration and a box configuration is disclosed. The container comprises a first side panel hingedly coupled to a first side portion, a second side panel hingedly coupled to a second side portion, a separation panel, and a bottom panel. The separation panel is hingedly coupled to the first side portion and to the second side portion. When the container is in the box configuration, the bottom panel and the separation panel face each other, and the first side panel and the second side panel face each other. The container is further movable between the box configuration and a formed configuration. When the container is in the formed configuration, the first side portion and the first side panel face each other, the second side portion and the second side panel face each other, and the separation panel and the bottom panel are substantially orthogonal.