Prismatic Container One-Hand Opening Pre-Weakened Zone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing prismatic-shaped containers require two hands and cutting tools to open, are prone to involuntary opening, and lack a secure closure mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A prismatic container with a one-hand operable opening system featuring a pre-weakened zone that allows controlled breaking of the container wall for easy access, and a foldable flap or plug to cover and secure the opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional spout opening system is used, then the container structure is simple, but opening requires two hands and cutting tools
Solution Approach 1:
The container wall is segmented into a main body and a separate breakable portion with a pre-defined opening. This segmentation allows the opening to be created by breaking off a specific section rather than cutting through the entire wall, enabling one-handed operation while maintaining overall structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
A pre-defined opening is created in the container wall before use, positioned in a breakable portion that is easier to fracture than the main wall. This preliminary preparation allows the user to simply apply force to break the opening without requiring cutting tools, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity
2Ease of operation
If the container is made easily openable, then opening is simple, but the container may open involuntarily during transport or storage
Solution Approach 1:
The container wall has different structural qualities in different regions: the main wall maintains high strength to prevent involuntary opening, while the specific breakable portion has reduced strength through pre-defined openings and geometric features (such as reduced thickness or incorporated stress concentrators) that facilitate easy breaking. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between ease of opening and closure reliability
Solution Approach 2:
A pre-defined opening is strategically positioned in the breakable portion to guide where the break will occur. This preliminary preparation ensures that when force is applied, it concentrates at the predetermined location rather than creating unpredictable fractures, making opening reliable and controlled while maintaining overall container integrity during transport
3Ease of operation
If a pre-defined opening is created in the container wall, then one-handed opening is enabled, but the container structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
A pre-defined opening is created in the container wall at a specific location within the breakable portion. This preliminary feature guides the breaking process to occur at the intended location, enabling one-handed operation. The pre-defined opening is integrated into the manufacturing process rather than added as a separate complex mechanism, thus enabling ease of operation with minimal increase in overall structural complexity
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~1d
Figure 2a~2c
AI summary
The object of the invention is a prismatic container (1) obtained starting from a folded strip (910), provided with an opening (110) for breakage. This opening is obtained by means of a semi-rigid sheet (2) provided with a pre-weakened area suitable for guiding, following an at least partial bending of the prismatic container (1), a controlled breakage of said semi-rigid sheet at the pre-weakened area so as to cause the formation, through said semi-rigid sheet (2) itself, of an opening for the escape of the product. Advantageously, the container according to the present invention is simple to open, even with just one hand.