Push-In Locking Device for Paperboard Container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current locking mechanisms for folded paperboard containers are difficult to engage and disengage, lacking a reliable and user-friendly solution for securing the container lid to the tray.
Innovation Solution
A locking device featuring a hingedly attached locking tab and recess system, where the locking tab can be pressed down into a friction-fit locking recess on the tray, allowing for secure closure and easy engagement/disengagement, with optional features like tapered side edges and a convex front edge for enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current locking mechanisms are used, then the cover can be secured to the tray, but the engagement and disengagement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism inverts the traditional approach by allowing easy engagement through a simple pressing motion while requiring deliberate action for disengagement. The locking tab is designed to be pressed down into the locking recess for engagement, and pulled up for disengagement, reversing the complexity burden from engagement to disengagement only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking tab incorporates a finger engagement portion with a convex front edge that allows user fingers to easily grip and manipulate the tab. This self-service design enables the user to directly operate the locking mechanism without requiring additional tools or complex procedures for both engagement and disengagement.
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then the cover is firmly attached, but the mechanism becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a locking tab with a finger engagement portion, a locking recess with tapered side edges, and a convex front edge. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while maintaining overall simplicity in the total assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking recess features tapered side edges only in the engagement region to provide friction-fit securing, while the rest of the structure maintains simple geometric forms. The locking tab has a convex front edge localized to the finger engagement portion, providing ease of grip without adding complexity to the overall tab structure.
3Reliability
If a friction-fit locking mechanism is used, then separation is resisted, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking recess employs tapered side edges that change the dimensional parameters gradually along the engagement path. This tapering allows for friction-fit engagement that resists separation while being tolerant to normal manufacturing variations, as the gradual taper compensates for minor dimensional deviations in the locking tab and recess interfaces.
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 locking device provides a simple, reliable, and easy-to-use mechanism for securing the container lid, ensuring secure closure while being easy to manufacture and utilize, suitable for various container types including a six corner beers tray.
Implementation Method 1
The locking tab can be pressed down into the locking recess to selectively secure the cover to the tray in a closed and locked configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A container formed from at least one blank of sheet material includes a tray, a cover configured to close the tray, and a locking device. The tray includes a tray front panel. The cover includes a cover front panel that extends downwardly from a front edge of a cover top panel. The cover front panel is configured to be positioned in an at-least partially overlapping arrangement with the tray front panel when the cover is closed. The locking device includes a locking tab hingedly attached to the cover top panel and struck in part from the cover top panel and in part from the cover front panel. The locking device also includes a locking recess struck from an upper edge of the tray front panel. The locking device is configured such that the locking tab can be pressed down into the locking recess to selectively secure the cover to the tray in a closed and locked configuration.