Reusable Flat-Storage Box With Replaceable Shape Retainer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boxes that switch between flat and three-dimensional forms are disposable and lack durability for repeated use, requiring manual assembly and incurring high transport and storage costs due to their three-dimensional structure.
Innovation Solution
A box design featuring a flat section, flexible outer and inner sections, and a removably attached shape retention member that maintains the inner section in an upright position, allowing flat storage and easy assembly into a three-dimensional form, with replaceable shape retention members to enhance environmental friendliness and reduce waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the shape retention member is fixed to the side section using adhesive or adhesive tape, then the box can be assembled in a three-dimensional form, but the box becomes disposable and cannot be reused when the shape retention member is bent or becomes weak
Solution Approach 1:
The box is divided into separable components: the side section and the shape retention member. The shape retention member can be detached and replaced independently from the side section, enabling reuse of the main box structure while replacing only the worn component. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing repeated use without requiring permanent bonding.
Solution Approach 2:
The shape retention member is designed as a replaceable component that can be discarded when bent or weak, while the main box structure is recovered and reused. This principle resolves the contradiction by separating the disposable element (shape retention member) from the reusable element (box structure), enabling environmental friendliness and cost reduction through partial replacement rather than complete disposal.
2Ease of operation
If the box is transported and stored in a three-dimensional assembled state, then the box is ready for use, but the cost of transport and storage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The box structure is designed to be dynamically changeable between a flat collapsed state for transport/storage and a three-dimensional assembled state for use. The flexible side sections and removable shape retention members enable this dynamic transformation, resolving the contradiction by allowing the box to occupy minimal space during transport while providing full functionality when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The box transitions between two dimensional states: a flat two-dimensional collapsed form for efficient storage and transport, and a three-dimensional assembled form for functional use. This dimensional transformation resolves the contradiction by allowing the box to minimize volume during transport while maintaining full three-dimensional functionality when needed.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual work is required to assemble a thomson box, then the box can be assembled, but the assembly takes a lot of time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly process is segmented into simple discrete steps: attaching the shape retention member to the side section and folding along predetermined lines. This segmentation reduces assembly complexity and time compared to traditional thomson box assembly, resolving the contradiction by breaking down the assembly process into manageable, quick steps that can be performed efficiently.
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(f)
Figure 2(a)~2(e)
Figure 3(a)~3(e)
AI summary
Provided are: a box that can be transported and stored in a flat form, that is simple to assemble in a three-dimensional form in which the box is ready for use, and that can be used repeatedly and over a long term; a method for assembling the box; and a packaging container including the box. This box comprises: a flat section 10 forming a bottom surface or a top surface; a flexible outer section 20 linked to the flat section 10, surrounding the flat section 10; an inner section 30 linked to the outer section 20 in a manner that allows the inner section 30 to be folded over toward the flat section 10; and a shape retention member 40 configured to maintain the inner section 30 in an upright position with the inner section 30 folded over toward the flat section 10, wherein the shape retention member 40 is configured to be removalby attached to the inner section 30.