Multi-sided Container Reinforcement for Stacking Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packing containers lack sufficient strength and rigidity, particularly when stacked, while also using excessive materials for their construction.
Innovation Solution
A multi-sided container design with more than four sides, featuring a specific arrangement of planar panels and strength reinforcement features, such as slots and cut edges, that enhance compression strength and reduce material usage, is developed. The panels are foldable and configured to support stacking loads, with features like orthogonal and parallel edges providing additional support and venting channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If existing packing containers are used, then they are suitable for their intended purpose, but they lack sufficient strength and rigidity during stacking
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into multiple planar panels (first panel, second panel, third panel, etc.) that are foldably connected along fold lines. This segmentation allows each panel to be optimized for specific functions while maintaining overall structural integrity during stacking
Solution Approach 2:
The container design transitions from conventional four-sided structures to multi-sided containers with more than four sides, adding dimensional complexity to distribute stacking loads more effectively across multiple faces and corners
2Loss of substance
If conventional container designs are used, then they provide basic protection, but they use excessive materials for construction
Solution Approach 1:
Strength reinforcement features are strategically placed at specific locations such as corners and along fold lines where stress concentrates during stacking. This localized reinforcement provides maximum strength where needed while minimizing overall material usage compared to uniform thickening
Solution Approach 2:
The container incorporates strength reinforcement features that may include composite structural elements, combining different material properties or structural configurations to achieve optimal strength-to-weight ratio and reduce overall material consumption
3Strength
If multi-sided container design is implemented, then compression strength is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple planar panels are foldably connected to form a unified container structure from a single blank or coordinated components. This merging approach simplifies manufacturing and assembly while achieving the desired multi-sided configuration for improved compression strength
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-sided container has more than four sides and foldable panels integrally arranged with respect to each other. A first panel and a second panel form a contiguity with a first fold line disposed therebetween. The first panel and a third panel form a contiguity with a second fold line disposed therebetween. The third panel is not parallel with and not orthogonal to the first panel. A first strength reinforcement feature includes a first slot having a first planar edge oriented orthogonal to the first panel and orthogonal to a z-axis, and a second planar edge oriented orthogonal to the second panel and parallel to the z-axis. The third panel includes a cut edge proximate the first fold line having a third planar edge oriented orthogonal to the third panel and orthogonal to the z-axis. The third planar edge is disposed in a same plane as the first planar edge.