Reusable Box Closure Mechanism for Cardboard Containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for sealing and unsealing cardboard boxes, such as using tape or glue, often damage the boxes and reduce their lifespan, as repeated opening and closing leads to wear and tear, and these methods do not provide structural strength for stacking.

Innovation Solution

A connection mechanism that includes a tab and channel system, along with optional straps and hook-and-loop fasteners, to securely close cardboard boxes without damaging them, allowing for repeated use and improved structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If tape or glue is used to seal the container, then the container can be closed securely, but the container is damaged upon opening and its lifespan is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidcontainer lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The connection mechanism is divided into separate components: a tab attached to the first flap and a channel on the second flap. This segmentation allows the closing mechanism to be distributed across multiple parts, enabling secure closure without requiring adhesive materials that damage the container upon opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tab and channel act as intermediary mechanical elements that facilitate the closing function. Instead of directly bonding flaps with tape or glue, the tab inserts into the channel to create a reversible mechanical connection that maintains sealing effectiveness while allowing damage-free opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If tape or glue is used to seal the container, then the container remains closed, but structural strength for stacking is not provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosure maintenanceVSAvoidstacking strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The channel is designed with a U-shaped curved structure that provides mechanical interlocking between flaps. This curvature creates a rigid geometric form that not only maintains closure but also distributes loads across the container structure, enabling stacking strength that tape or glue cannot provide.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection mechanism combines rigid structural elements (the U-shaped channel and tab) with the container flaps to create a composite closing system. This composite structure provides both closure maintenance and structural strength for stacking, overcoming the limitation of simple adhesive sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of operation

If repeated opening and closing is performed with tape or glue, then access to contents is enabled, but wear increases and lifespan shortens

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidcontainer lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The connection mechanism is designed to be dynamically reusable: the tab can be repeatedly inserted into and removed from the channel without degrading the container. This dynamic mechanical connection allows frequent access to contents while preserving container lifespan, unlike static adhesive bonds that deteriorate with repeated manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If tape is used each time the box needs to be resealed, then the box can be closed again, but additional cost is incurred

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveresealabilityVSAvoidtape consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The connection mechanism is self-contained and reusable: once the tab is attached to the first flap, it can be repeatedly engaged with the channel on the second flap without requiring additional consumable materials. This eliminates ongoing tape costs while maintaining easy resealability through simple mechanical engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20240017894A1Device for closing a container to make the container reusable

Publication Date: 2024.01.18 FARRIS NORMA

AI summary

Disclosed herein is an apparatus for selectively maintaining a container in a closed position. The apparatus includes a connection mechanism couplable to a container. The container includes a bottom, a top, and sides. The top includes a first flap and a second flap. The first flap includes a first hinge end and a first edge opposite the first hinge end. The second flap includes a second hinge end and a second edge opposite the second hinge end. The first and second hinge ends are each connected to a side of the container. The connection mechanism extends substantially along a first edge of the first flap. The first edge is adjacent to a second edge of the second flap when the first and second flaps are in a closed position. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes the tab of the connection mechanism being fixedly coupled to the first flap.