Packaging Box Upper-Edge Panel Stability via Folding Protrusions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Assembly-type packaging boxes with frame-shaped upper-edge panels tend to displace outwardly, causing gaps between the frame and the top panel, which affects the appearance and structural integrity without increasing costs.

Innovation Solution

The incorporation of arc-shaped folding protrusions on the inner panels that abut the rear folding tabs, preventing the upper-edge panels from displacing outward and thus eliminating gaps between the frame and the top panel, achieved by positioning these protrusions along valley fold lines adjacent to the upper-edge panels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If frame-shaped upper-edge panels are formed at the opening edge of the box, then the external appearance and quality value are improved, but the upper-edge panels tend to displace outwardly causing gaps between the frame and top panel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexternal appearanceVSAvoidstability of upper-edge panel position
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Folding protrusions are formed on the inner panels in advance during the manufacturing process. These protrusions are positioned to abut against the rear folding tabs when the box is assembled, creating a preliminary constraint that prevents outward displacement of the upper-edge panels and eliminates gaps between the frame and top panel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The folding protrusions act as intermediary elements between the inner panels and the rear folding tabs. These protrusions transmit and distribute the constraining force, preventing the upper-edge panels from displacing outward while maintaining the frame shape and eliminating gaps without requiring additional fastening components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If folding protrusions are added to prevent displacement, then the stability and gap-free assembly are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of frame assemblyVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The constraint function is segmented into discrete folding protrusions formed on the inner panels. Each protrusion is a simple geometric feature that can be integrated into the existing panel structure through standard folding and forming operations, distributing the constraint function across multiple locations without requiring a complex overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The folding protrusions are formed as integral features of the inner panels during the manufacturing process itself. The structure serves its own constraint function without requiring external fasteners, adhesives, or additional components, thereby preventing displacement while avoiding increases in device complexity or manufacturing steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3321201B1Assembly-type packaging box
Publication Date: 2019.12.04 AUDIO TECHNICA CORP
  • EP3321201B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3321201B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3321201B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

An assembly-type packaging box is configured by erecting a front (12) and rear panel (13) along valley fold lines respectively in front of and behind a bottom panel (11); then folding outer panels (18 and 21), upper-edge panels (19 and 22), and inner panels (20 and 23), such that rear folding tabs (16 and 17) extending from a side of the rear panel (13) are folded in between the outer and inner panel. This allows the upper-edge panels (19 and 22) to form a frame having a predetermined width at an opening portion. Folding protrusions (20b and 23b), which fix positions of the upper-edge panels (19 and 22) forming the frame by abutting on the rear folding tabs (16 and 17) folded between each of the outer panels (18 and 21) and each of the inner panels (20 and 23), are formed on sides of the inner panels (20 and 23). With this configuration, the box allows to prevent displacement of the upper-edge panel forming the frame and generation of a gap caused by the displacement of the upper-edge panel.