Package Closure Flap Configuration for Automated Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional packages are laborious and prone to errors in assembly, making automated packaging challenging, and are not suitable for high-volume production or reusable applications, lacking ease of access and theft-proof features.
Innovation Solution
A package design featuring a foldable and releasable flap that can be moved between configurations, allowing for automated and resealable packaging, with a perforated line for easy connection and disconnection, and hanging holes for improved usability and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional packages use manual assembly with complex flap arrangements, then the package can be sealed, but the assembly process is time-consuming and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The package structure is divided into distinct modular components: a body portion, a separate closure portion with integrated flap, and extended parts. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently and assembled through simple insertion movements, eliminating complex manual flap arrangements and enabling automated assembly processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure portion incorporates a dynamically movable flap that transitions between open and closed positions through simple insertion and withdrawal movements. This dynamic design replaces static complex flap mechanisms with a single movable component that can be easily manipulated by automated systems or users.
2Extent of automation
If conventional packages use complex flap arrangements for sealing, then the package can be closed, but automated packaging becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the closure function into an independent closure portion with an integrated flap, the design eliminates the need for multiple interlocking flaps and complex sealing mechanisms. This segmented approach presents a simple insertion interface to automated packaging systems while maintaining secure closure functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The flap mechanism is extracted and integrated into a separate closure portion that can be independently manipulated. This extraction removes the flap complexity from the main body structure, presenting a simplified interface for automated systems while preserving the sealing function in the detached closure component.
3Reliability
If conventional packages use simple closure mechanisms, then the assembly is quick, but the package is susceptible to unintended openings or theft
Solution Approach 1:
The flap is nested within the body portion when the closure is engaged, with the flap extending into the interior space. This nesting arrangement provides inherent security as the flap must be fully withdrawn to open the package, preventing unintended openings while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The security mechanism utilizes the third dimension by having the flap extend into the interior volume of the package rather than relying solely on planar sealing. This dimensional approach creates a more secure closure that resists unintended opening while avoiding complex multi-component mechanisms.
4Ease of operation
If conventional packages require gluing operations for flap assembly, then the package can be sealed securely, but improper use or misuse occurs depending on user experience level
Solution Approach 1:
The package design eliminates the need for user-performed gluing or complex assembly operations. The closure portion and flap are pre-assembled as integrated components during manufacturing, allowing end users to simply insert or withdraw the closure portion without requiring any specialized skills, tools, or experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex assembly operations including flap attachment and sealing are performed in advance during manufacturing. The closure portion is pre-assembled with the flap integrated, so that at the point of use, only simple insertion or withdrawal actions are required from the user, eliminating skill-dependent assembly steps.
Data Source
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AI summary
A package (100) includes a body (102) defining a plurality of sides (108), (110), (112), (114), (116), (118), (120). The package (100) also includes a first extended part (140) and a second extended part (150). The second extended part (150) defines a flap (180). The package (100) is characterized in that the first extended part (140) and the second extended part (150) are at least partially coupled with each other. The flap (180) is foldably and releasably connected with the first extended part (140) such that the flap (180) is movable between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the flap (180) is removably couplable to the first extended part (140). In the second configuration, the flap (180) is at least partially foldably inserted within the body (102) of the package (100).