Nested Container Assembly for Compact Protective Shipping
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Solution Overview
Problem
The box-in-box approach for shipping secondary products with primary products in e-commerce results in increased packaging size, transportation costs, and environmental impact due to non-recyclable materials, while lacking cost-effectiveness and ease of assembly.
Innovation Solution
A container system with connecting members that secure secondary containers to primary containers, reducing material usage and allowing for modular, recyclable packaging that is easy to assemble and disassemble.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the box-in-box approach is used to ship secondary products with primary products, then product protection is improved, but packaging size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second container is nested directly onto the first container through connecting members, eliminating the need for a separate outer shipping box. The connecting members attach the second container to the first container walls, allowing both containers to be transported together in a compact configuration that reduces overall packaging volume while maintaining product protection.
2Reliability
If the box-in-box approach is used to ship secondary products with primary products, then product protection is improved, but transportation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting the second container onto the first container using connecting members, the overall shipping volume is reduced, allowing more efficient space utilization in transportation. This reduces the number of shipping trips required and lowers transportation costs while maintaining adequate product protection through the integrated container system.
3Reliability
If filler materials are used to protect containers from damage, then product protection is improved, but environmental impact worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates the need for separate filler materials by using the container walls themselves as the protective structure. The connecting members securely attach the second container to the first container, and the container walls provide the necessary protection, allowing filler materials to be removed entirely from the system and reducing environmental impact.
4Reliability
If excess packaging materials are used, then product protection is improved, but material cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the need for excess packaging materials by utilizing the container walls and connecting members as the primary protective and structural elements. The connecting members securely attach containers together, and the container walls provide protection, eliminating the requirement for additional packaging materials and reducing material quantity and cost.
5Reliability
If non-recyclable packaging materials are used, then product protection is improved, but environmental sustainability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
By eliminating the need for separate filler materials and excess packaging, the invention reduces the use of non-recyclable materials. The protective function is achieved through the container structure itself and the connecting members, allowing for more sustainable material selection and improving environmental sustainability while maintaining product protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A container system including a first container having a first wall defining a first opening therethrough; a second container having a second wall defining a second opening therethrough; and a connecting member securing the second container to the first container. The second wall is disposed adjacent to the first wall, and the second opening is aligned with the first opening. The connecting member includes a narrow portion at least partially received within each of the first opening and the second opening; a first wide portion received within the first container, extending across the first opening, and engaging the first wall on opposing sides of the first opening; and a second wide portion disposed adjacent to the second wall, and extending across the second opening, such that the connecting member secures the second container to the first container.