Parallelepiped Folding Box with Fit-in Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable parallelepiped boxes are expensive to produce due to high labor costs and require precise cutting and assembly, resulting in instability and poor aesthetics, especially when dimensions increase, with visible triangular tabs necessary for holding the box in a folded position.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a central sheet, front sheet, and back sheet with integrated folding lines and tabs that allow for easy assembly and stability without visible edges, using a fit-in coupling mechanism that reduces the need for bi-adhesive tape and simplifies production, enhancing aesthetics and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional punched piece design with triangular tabs is used, then the box can be held in folded position, but visible tabs create poor aesthetics and require precise cutting increasing labor costs
Solution Approach 1:
The punched piece is divided into multiple portions (first, second, third, fourth portions) connected by folding lines, allowing each section to be independently formed and assembled. This segmentation enables simpler cutting patterns without requiring precise triangular tabs, reducing labor costs while maintaining assembly ease
Solution Approach 2:
The triangular tabs that create aesthetic issues and require precise cutting are completely removed from the design. Instead, the invention uses integrated folding lines and portion connections to achieve the same structural function without the problematic tab elements
2Volume of stationary object
If box dimensions are increased, then capacity is improved, but stability deteriorates due to visible edges and gaps
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple portions are merged through folding lines to form continuous surfaces without gaps or visible edges. The first, second, third, and fourth portions are connected such that their edges align perfectly when folded, creating a seamless appearance and stable structure even at larger dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using tabs protruding outward to provide stability, the invention inverts the approach by having portions fit together with edges meeting precisely. The stability is achieved through the interlocking folding structure rather than external tab elements
3Reliability
If multiple bi-adhesive tape portions are used for assembly, then attachment reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The box structure is designed to be self-assembling through its folding lines and portion connections. The geometric configuration of the first, second, third, and fourth portions naturally guides them into the correct positions and orientations, eliminating the need for adhesive tapes or other fastening elements
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical assembly system using bi-adhesive tape is replaced with a purely geometric folding and fitting system. The folding lines and portion shapes provide the mechanical constraint and attachment function that previously required chemical adhesives
Data Source
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AI summary
A foldable parallelepiped box (100) comprises a punched piece (1) comprising: a central portion (P1), a front portion (P2) and a back portion (P3); the box (100) comprises: two lateral portions (42, 43) that project from the central portion (P1) of the punched piece (1) to act as lateral walls for the box (100), two ending lateral portions (44, 45) connected to the lateral portions (42, 43) and suitable for overlapping to the lateral portions (42, 43), two front lateral tabs and two back lateral tabs (53, 54; 63, 64) that project from the front portion (P2) and the back portion (P3) of the punched piece (1); the front and the back lateral tabs (53, 54, 63, 64) are suitable for being disposed between the lateral portions (42, 43) and the ending lateral portions (44, 45).