Pivot Assembly for Packaging Toppers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing point of sale display cartons face issues with detachable toppers being lost, incorrectly mounted, or integrated, which limits advertising space and increases assembly time and material waste, particularly due to the use of plastic components during transport.
Innovation Solution
A pivot assembly featuring a circular aperture in one panel and integrally formed tabs on another panel, allowing the topper to pivot 180° without separate fasteners or plastic components, facilitating easy attachment and detachment for customization and reducing assembly time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate detachable toppers are used, then customization and replacement are enabled, but the toppers may be lost or incorrectly mounted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary pivot assembly mechanism that mediates between the topper and display carton. This mechanism includes a pivot axis with retaining features that guide and secure the topper during attachment, preventing loss or incorrect mounting while maintaining the ability to detach and replace toppers for customization
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot assembly incorporates self-aligning and self-retaining features that automatically guide the topper into the correct position during attachment. The retaining features on the pivot axis automatically engage with the topper, eliminating the need for complex assembly procedures while ensuring reliable mounting
2Ease of operation
If plastic connectors are used to attach topper, then pivotal connection is achieved, but assembly time increases and plastic waste is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the plastic connector component from the assembly system. Instead, the pivot assembly is formed integrally from the display carton material itself, removing the need for separate plastic fasteners and significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining pivotal connection functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot assembly merges the pivot mechanism with the display carton structure. The pivot axis and retaining features are formed as integral parts of the carton rather than separate components, combining multiple functions into a single unified structure that reduces assembly steps and eliminates plastic waste
3Volume of stationary object
If topper is integrated with display carton, then size is reduced for transport, but removal and replacement is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic pivot connection that allows the topper to move between different positions - attached for display and detached for replacement. The pivot assembly maintains a compact configuration during transport when the topper is attached, while enabling easy detachment when customization is needed, adapting to different operational requirements
4Adaptability or versatility
If detachable toppers are provided, then customization is enabled, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot assembly is designed as a universal mechanism that handles multiple functions - attachment, detachment, positioning, and retention - through a single integrated structure. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall assembly process while maintaining full customization capability for different toppers
Data Source
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AI summary
A pivot assembly for packaging comprising a substantially circular aperture formed in a first panel and first and second tabs integrally formed in and extending from a second panel, wherein the first and second tabs of the second panel are adapted to be inserted through said aperture of the first panel with the first and second panels laying parallel to and in contact with one another such that the first panel can rotate with respect to the second panel about an axis of said aperture.