Multi-compartment Tray with 3D Wave-shaped Perforation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-compartment trays with perforated seams require users to tear them apart, which can be difficult for those with limited hand strength and results in potential sharp edges and structural weakness along the common edge.
Innovation Solution
A multi-compartment tray design featuring a wave-shaped perforation region with undulating crests and troughs, where perforation tabs connect the compartments, allowing for easier separation by bending and snapping along the perforation region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a perforated seam is used to join compartments, then separation is enabled, but the edge structure becomes weak and requires more user support when carrying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional perforated seam to a three-dimensional perforation structure with tabs extending out of the tray plane. This dimensional change allows the perforation to provide separation functionality while the tabs maintain structural rigidity at the edges, resolving the contradiction between ease of separation and edge strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous perforated seam is segmented into discrete perforation tabs spaced along the edge. This segmentation allows the edge structure to maintain rigidity between tabs while still enabling separation at the tab locations, addressing both the separation capability and structural strength requirements.
2Ease of operation
If a perforated seam is used to join compartments, then separation is enabled, but tearing requires significant hand strength and can create sharp edges
Solution Approach 1:
The perforation tabs are pre-formed during manufacturing with a structure that facilitates easy breaking. The tabs are designed with reduced cross-section or stress concentration features that initiate controlled fracture, eliminating the need for user tearing actions and preventing sharp edge formation.
Solution Approach 2:
By extending the perforation structure into the third dimension with tabs, the separation mechanism changes from tearing a flat seam to snapping off protruding tabs. This dimensional change provides a more favorable stress distribution that reduces required hand strength and prevents sharp edges.
3Adaptability or versatility
If compartments are conjoined along a common edge, then multi-compartment functionality is achieved, but the edge becomes a weak point susceptible to bending and twisting
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous edge joint is segmented into discrete locations where perforation tabs are positioned. This segmentation maintains structural rigidity along the entire edge while providing controlled separation points, preventing bending and twisting at the common edge between compartments.
Solution Approach 2:
The perforation structure extends into the third dimension with tabs that protrude from the tray plane. This three-dimensional structure reinforces the edge at the perforation locations, preventing the edge from becoming a weak point while maintaining multi-compartment functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a multi-compartment tray having at least two compartments that are connected at the time of sale and then able to be split into separate, detached compartments by a user. The compartments are conjoined by a 3-dimensional wave-shaped perforation region. Each perforation wave includes a crest and a trough and perforation tabs are formed on at least some of the crests and troughs and form the point of interconnection between the compartments. In use, a user can apply leverage to the offset planes resulting in bending/snapping of the compartments relative to one another and causing the perforation break, thereby separating the compartments.