Packaging End Wedging Device with Hinged Connecting Tabs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging designs that use a single blank pre-cut and folded from a sheet of material, such as cardboard, often lack effective longitudinal wedging solutions, which can lead to inadequate product security and complexity in design and manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
The packaging incorporates an end wedging device with end strips and connecting tabs that are hinged and foldable, providing reversible longitudinal movement to securely hold products in place, while being integrated into the same blank as the outer envelope, simplifying production and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the packaging uses a single blank pre-cut and folded from a sheet of material, then manufacturing complexity is reduced and production is simplified, but longitudinal wedging capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The end strip is divided into multiple end panels hinged together, allowing the structure to be segmented for flexibility while maintaining integration with the single blank. This segmentation enables the wedging function without requiring separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The end wedging device is merged with the outer envelope by integrating the end strip into the same blank as the outer panels. This combining provides longitudinal wedging capability while maintaining the simplicity of single-blank manufacturing.
2Reliability
If the wedging element is produced independently and introduced after assembly, then longitudinal blocking is improved, but device complexity and assembly steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wedging function is merged into the outer envelope structure itself through the integrated end strip. This eliminates the need for separate wedging elements while providing effective longitudinal blocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The end strip serves multiple functions: it forms part of the outer envelope structure and simultaneously provides the longitudinal wedging function. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining blocking capability.
3Reliability
If connecting tabs are provided for each main panel to connect end panels, then longitudinal wedging effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting structure is segmented into multiple connecting tabs, each associated with a specific main panel. This segmentation distributes the precision requirements across multiple simple connections rather than requiring high precision for a single complex connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting tabs with intermediate fold lines enable self-alignment during assembly. The hinged structure naturally guides the end panels into correct position relative to the main panels, reducing the need for high manufacturing precision.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention proposes a pre-cut blank and a one-piece package, comprising: - at least three external panels (121-124) attached by longitudinal fold lines; - a cushioning element (12) comprising at least three main panels (21, 22,...) successively attached by longitudinal fold lines; characterized in that the cushioning element (12) comprises an end cushioning device (60, 80) comprising: • an end band (60) comprising as many end panels (61-64) as the number of main panels; • at least two longitudinal connecting tabs (80) which each connect a main panel to a corresponding end panel, and which comprise an intermediate transverse fold line (84) to allow the end band to be brought closer to the main panels by folding the connecting tabs back on themselves.