Packaging Lid With Building Block Connection Standards

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current packaging lids lack versatility and compatibility with building block-type toys, particularly those under the LEGO and LEGO DUPLO brands, leading to assembly and connection issues.

Innovation Solution

Designing lids that conform to the standard connection sizes and shapes of LEGO and LEGO DUPLO blocks, allowing for compatible assembly and minimizing connection problems, including optional configurations with recesses and protrusions for secure stacking and use in various packaging types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If packaging lids are designed with non-standard connection shapes, then they can have unique packaging functionality, but they cannot be assembled with LEGO and LEGO DUPLO blocks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with building block toysVSAvoidconnection standardization

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is designed with connection elements that conform to LEGO and LEGO DUPLO standards, enabling the same lid structure to function both as packaging closure and as a building block component. This multi-functionality allows the lid to be assembled with building block toys while maintaining its packaging utility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The lid is divided into functional segments: a base portion for packaging closure and connection elements (protrusions or recesses) that interface with building blocks. This segmentation allows independent optimization of packaging functionality and toy compatibility without compromising either aspect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If lids are designed with connection elements for building blocks, then they can be assembled into three-dimensional sets, but they may cause connection problems when stacked in packaging machines

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly versatilityVSAvoidstacking stability in packaging machines

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Connection elements are positioned at specific locations on the lid (such as the periphery or specific surfaces) rather than uniformly distributed, ensuring that critical stacking areas maintain smooth surfaces for reliable machine handling while still providing adequate connection points for building block assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The lid design anticipates potential stacking issues by strategically placing connection elements to avoid interference during the packaging process. The configuration ensures that normal stacking operations in packaging machines proceed smoothly before the lids are removed for building block assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If lids have connection elements that match building block standards, then they can be compatible with LEGO blocks, but they may have mismatch issues when combining multiple lid types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with LEGO blocksVSAvoidconnection consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The lid's connection elements are designed as accurate copies of LEGO and LEGO DUPLO connection standards, including precise dimensions, shapes, and tolerances. This faithful replication ensures that lids from different sources can be mixed and matched without compatibility issues, maintaining connection consistency across varied lid types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

4Ease of operation

If lids are designed without recesses in the base, then they have simpler structure, but they cannot provide stable connection surfaces for building blocks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidlid structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection elements (recesses or protrusions) are integrated into the lid's base structure in a space-efficient manner, where the connection features are nested within or form part of the overall lid geometry rather than adding separate components. This maintains structural simplicity while providing stable connection surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP2939945B1Lid shaped as a building block, use thereof and method for producing the same

Publication Date: 2018.07.18 DA SILVA ARAUJO BAPTISTA VILMA

Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2A~2F
Figure 3A~3F

AI summary

This invention consists of a "building block" type of lid with connections that are compatible with connection standards for building blocks sold under the LEGO and/or LEGO DUPLO brands, or other similar compatible brands, as well as their uses and the production process for that lid. More specifically, the invention refers to a lid in the form of a building block, including a side wall (1), top surface (2) with an internal wall (2-i) and an external wall (2-e), the base of the lid (3), one or more male pins (4) and one or more female openings (5), with their longitudinal axes placed in a direction that is essentially parallel to the internal section of the side wall (1) provided with a lid fixing element to the package to be closed (14), in which one or more male pins (4) have an external diameter (ED) of (4.8 ± 0.1) millimeters, of (6.5 ± 0.1) millimeters, or of (9.4 ± 0.2) millimeters, and one or more female openings (5) have an internal diameter (ID) of (4.8 ± 0.1) millimeters, of (6.5 ± 0.1) millimeters or of (9.4 ± 0.2) millimeters.