Nested Paper Tray with Divided Compartments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current product packaging trays with divided compartments are made from non-recyclable plastic materials, posing environmental concerns and lacking efficient nesting configurations for shipment and use.
Innovation Solution
A die-cut paperboard blank is designed to form trays with divided compartments that can be nested together, featuring foldable panels and integral glue tabs for securement, allowing multiple trays to be packaged and used efficiently while being fully recyclable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If trays are made from plastic materials, then structural strength and durability are improved, but environmental recyclability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from plastic to paperboard, transforming the tray from non-recyclable to fully recyclable while maintaining structural integrity through optimized paperboard construction and geometric design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses paperboard as a composite material that combines the recyclability of paper with structural reinforcement techniques to achieve both environmental sustainability and adequate strength for product packaging
2Adaptability or versatility
If trays are designed with divided compartments, then product organization and protection are improved, but manufacturing complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tray into multiple compartments separated by partitions, allowing different products to be organized separately while using a single integrated paperboard blank that simplifies manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal paperboard blank that can be folded into trays with different compartment configurations, allowing the same basic structure to serve multiple product organization needs
3Productivity
If multiple trays are packaged together for shipment, then shipping efficiency and storage space utilization are improved, but nesting configuration complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs trays with inverted flutes and corresponding grooves that allow one tray to nest within another, enabling multiple trays to be stacked vertically for efficient shipping and storage while maintaining easy alignment through the flute-groove interface
Data Source
AI summary
A tray (100) including a first compartment portion (20) having a bottom panel (22), a first side panel (24) connected to the bottom panel, a second side panel (26) connected to the bottom panel, a front panel (28) connected to the bottom panel and a rear panel (30) connected to the bottom panel, and a second compartment portion (40) having a bottom panel (42), a first side panel (44) connected to the bottom panel and connected to the second side panel of the first compartment portion along an adjoining fold line (35), a second side panel (46) connected to the bottom panel, a front panel (48) connected to the bottom panel and a rear panel (50) connected to the bottom panel, wherein the front and rear panels of the second compartment portion each have a tab (48a, 50a) for securement to the front and rear panels of the first compartment portion.