Packing Fastener Locking Structure for Secure Hold and Easy Release

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional packing fasteners for securing large and heavy articles in C-type packing boxes are easily removable during unpacking, leading to inefficiencies in securing and handling the packed items.

Innovation Solution

A packing fastener comprising a base member with a tubular portion, flange, and pivotable hook members, and a key member that can be removably inserted into the base member, allowing secure coupling and easy disengagement of packing materials using a locking mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional packing fasteners are used for securing large and heavy articles, then the packing box can be assembled, but the fasteners are easily removable during unpacking leading to inefficiencies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecuring reliabilityVSAvoidunpacking efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hook members are designed to be movable relative to the base member, transitioning between a first position for securing and a second position for release. This dynamic mechanism allows the fastener to provide strong holding force during transport while enabling easy release during unpacking by simply pushing the key member, resolving the contradiction between securing reliability and unpacking efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The key member is inserted through the first tubular portion of the base member, with the second tubular portion of the key member nested within the first tubular portion. This nested structure allows the key member to act as a actuator that can move the hook members between secured and released states, providing both strong securing and easy release functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Strength

If the hook members are made secure to hold packing materials, then the coupling strength is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling strengthVSAvoidfastener structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastener is divided into distinct functional components: a base member with hook members for securing, and a separate key member for release. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the hook members provide strong coupling while the key member provides simple release operation, avoiding the need for complex integrated mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hook members are designed with hinge portions that allow them to pivot between secured and released positions. This dynamic design enables strong holding force when secured while requiring minimal force for release, achieving high coupling strength without proportionally increasing structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the fastener structure is simplified for easy operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the securing reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunpacking easeVSAvoidsecuring reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The key member is designed to automatically move the hook members to the released position when inserted and pushed through the tubular portions. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex manual operations or additional tools, providing easy unpacking while maintaining securing reliability through the simple push-to-release action

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The fastener provides secure coupling and easy disengagement of packing materials, improving transportation efficiency and ease of handling by reducing space requirements and enabling automated dispensing.

Implementation Method 1

a pair of hook members that are coupled via first hinge portions to opposite inner side faces of the first tubular portion to be bent, about the first hinge portions as hinge axes, outward of a second opening edge of the first tubular portion at the other end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHinge mechanism: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

Each of opposite outer side faces of the first tubular portion has a slope that is inclined inward from the first opening edge toward the second opening edge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWedge shape: Wedge

Data Source

PatentUS12577018B2Packing fastener and packing box coupled together therewith

Publication Date: 2026.03.17 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A packing fastener includes a base member and a key member. The base member includes: a first tubular portion; a flange portion provided on a first opening edge of the first tubular portion at one end; and a pair of hook members coupled to opposite inner side faces of the first tubular portion to be bent toward a second opening edge of the first tubular portion at the other end. The key member has a second tubular portion removably insertable in the first tubular portion via the first opening edge. The pair of hook members are, with no external force applied to it, arranged in a wedge shape as seen in a sectional view to be increasingly close to each other toward tip ends. An outer side face of the first tubular portion has a slope inclined inward from the first opening edge toward the second opening edge.