Partitioned Container With Asymmetric Folding Tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional divider systems in containers waste volume, add unnecessary weight, and cause shifting of contents leading to impact damage, especially when trying to transport smaller objects, due to the requirement of large minimum cell size and inefficient folding mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A partitioned container design with parallel transverse and longitudinal panels, each with reduced folding tab sections on one side, allowing for smaller cell sizes and improved foldability, eliminating perimeter cells and reducing material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional divider systems use perimeter cells, then structural support is provided, but a significant portion of box container volume is wasted and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional perimeter cell structure from the divider system. Instead of having continuous perimeter cells around each divider, the design uses only interior cells within the divider sections, eliminating the wasted volume and unnecessary weight while maintaining structural support through the interior cell configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The divider system is segmented into multiple individual divider sections, each with its own interior cells. This segmentation allows the cells to be positioned only where structurally necessary for support, rather than requiring continuous perimeter cells throughout the entire container, thus reducing overall volume consumption.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional divider systems use perimeter air cells, then item protection is provided, but heavy items can shift and collapse the perimeter air cells causing impact damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the vulnerable perimeter air cell structure and replaces it with interior cells that are enclosed on all sides. These interior cells provide protection to items while being structurally stable and resistant to collapse from shifting heavy items, as they are supported by the divider framework on all perimeters.
3Loss of substance
If folding tab sections are facially affixed to exterior panels, then perimeter cells are eliminated, but interior panels must be sufficiently spaced apart limiting cell size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of folding tab sections, placing them only on certain sides of interior panels rather than on all sides. This asymmetric configuration allows panels to be positioned closer together, enabling smaller cell sizes while maintaining the benefit of eliminated perimeter cells and reduced material usage.
4Volume of moving object
If narrower folding tab sections are used, then cell size can be reduced, but manufacturing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By asymmetrically positioning folding tab sections on only certain sides of panels, the patent allows for reduced cell sizes while maintaining manufacturable folding tab dimensions. The selective placement means not all panels require narrow folding tabs, simplifying the manufacturing process while still achieving compact cell configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A partitioned container having a plurality of individual compartments formed from mated slotted interior panels. One or more exterior panels surround the mated interior panels to form the outside of the partitioned container. The interior panels may include folding tab sections and partitioning sections, and the panels may be positioned closely together to define small individual compartments. The various panels may be folded about fold lines to permit the assembly to be folded into a substantially flat state.