Packaging Containers With Retention Inserts for Plant Transit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packaging solutions for shipping live plants, such as potted plants, are inadequate as they often result in plants turning upside down, losing soil, water leakage, jostling, and difficulty in removal without damage.
Innovation Solution
A packaging container with sidewall panels, a push-in feature, tear-away piece, and optional insert designed to securely hold and protect potted plants during transit, featuring creases and perforations for easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If current parcels (corrugated boxes) are used for shipping, then they are durable and can contain large volumes, but plants turn upside down, lose soil, and water leaks during transit
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging container is divided into multiple functional components: a reusable outer container, a removable insert with retention features, and a separate lid assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the container provides structural strength while the insert prevents plant movement and soil loss.
Solution Approach 2:
A retention insert is introduced as an intermediary element between the plant and the container walls. The insert features engagement features that securely hold the plant in place, preventing it from turning upside down or moving during transit, while also containing soil and preventing water leakage.
2Reliability
If plants are securely held in custom containers, then plant damage is prevented, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system is segmented into modular components that can be manufactured separately and assembled. The outer container, insert, and lid are distinct modules that can be produced using standard manufacturing processes, reducing overall complexity while maintaining secure plant holding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention insert is designed as a universal component that can accommodate various plant sizes and container types. The engagement features are configured to work with different plant pot dimensions, allowing a single insert design to serve multiple purposes and reducing manufacturing complexity.
3Reliability
If plants are tightly secured to prevent movement, then plant safety improves, but difficulty in removing plants without damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention insert incorporates dynamic engagement features that transition from a secured state during transit to a released state for removal. The engagement features are designed to be disengaged easily by the end user, allowing smooth transition from secure transport to convenient plant removal without damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement features are pre-configured with release mechanisms that activate during the unboxing process. The insert is designed to be easily removed or opened, allowing the plant to be accessed and removed without requiring forceful manipulation that could damage the plant.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If water-resistant packaging is used to prevent leakage, then water damage is prevented, but soil loss and plant stress increase
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging container utilizes a flexible yet water-resistant material structure that allows controlled moisture retention. The container walls and insert are designed to be water-resistant to prevent external water damage, while also allowing internal moisture retention to prevent plant stress and soil loss through controlled evaporation and condensation management.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a packaging container including a plurality of sidewall panels. The plurality of sidewall panels may include at least a first sidewall panel and a second sidewall panel connected to the first sidewall panel along a predefined corner fold line. The packaging container may further include a push-in feature located on the predefined corner fold line. The push-in feature may be movable between a first configuration and a second configuration. A tear-away piece may be located on at least one sidewall panel of the plurality of sidewall panels. The packaging container may include a top wall defined by a plurality of top panels. In an example, the packaging container includes a bottom wall defined by a plurality of bottom panels. In an example, the packaging container includes an insert. The packaging container may house a potted plant.