Multi-compartment Container with Circumferential Weld Seams

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-compartment containers for flat objects face issues such as paper getting caught in weld projections, dirt penetration, surface kinks, and premature wear due to inadequate connections between compartments, leading to handling difficulties and reduced stability.

Innovation Solution

The container features partially connected side walls with circumferential weld seams that create pocket-like compartments with at least one closed side, ensuring edges align for stability and preventing objects from getting between compartments, with a reinforcement layer for added strength and flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If individual compartments are connected with weld patterns that leave edges free, then manufacturing is simplified, but paper gets caught on projections and cannot be pushed in

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding processVSAvoidloading flat objects
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating the treatment of compartment edges: some edges are connected with weld seams while other edges remain free or have different connection types. This allows the container to have smooth edges at loading positions (preventing paper catching) while maintaining structural connections at other positions, thus resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and operational ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If weld patterns do not reach the edge, then material penetration occurs between compartments, but complete welding provides better structural integrity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoiddirt penetration
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the welding pattern into multiple zones: complete weld seams at certain positions for structural integrity, and partial or no welding at edge positions to prevent material penetration. This segmentation allows different functional requirements to be met at different locations, resolving the contradiction between strength and preventing harmful factor entry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If individual compartments are not connected at open sides, then the container is not compact, but connection creates stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer stabilityVSAvoidcontainer compactness
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by selectively connecting compartments at specific locations (e.g., at closed sides or partially at open sides) rather than uniformly connecting all edges. This allows the container to achieve sufficient stability at connection points while maintaining overall compactness and flexibility, resolving the contradiction between stability and compactness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of operation

If flat objects are pushed in without proper compartment guidance, then objects get between compartments, but proper guidance increases manufacturing complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloading processVSAvoidcompartment connection structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing guidance features (such as protrusions or reinforced edges) only at specific locations where objects are most likely to get caught, rather than throughout the entire compartment structure. This localized approach prevents object misplacement while minimizing the increase in manufacturing complexity, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

This design enhances handling ease, prevents premature wear, and provides stability by ensuring edges align, preventing dirt entry and buckling, while allowing easy loading and unloading of flat items.

Implementation Method 1

the surfaces are connected to one another at least along part of the edge section lying against one another on the respective open sides of the individual compartments by a circumferential weld seam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Data Source

PatentEP1920946B1Multi-compartment container
Publication Date: 2010.07.21 BALTENSPERGER RENE
  • EP1920946B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1920946B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1920946B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The device has at least two individual plastic compartments (1), of which one outer surface (5) is fixed to the outer surface of the next individual compartment. At least the edge pieces (6) of the respective outer surfaces are in contact at the open sides of the compartments and are joined .at least along part of the edge pieces.