Reverse Tuck Lock for Foldable Container Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable containers face challenges in maintaining structural integrity and secure locking mechanisms, especially when subjected to environmental conditions and handling stresses, often requiring adhesives or tapes that can damage the containers and hinder reconfiguration for storage and shipping.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a reverse tuck lock feature that mechanically secures the container in a three-dimensional configuration without the need for adhesives, using a tab member that extends through a tab slot and edge profile, which is locked by items placed inside the container, ensuring stability and easy inspection of engagement status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a locking feature is added to secure the container in three-dimensional configuration, then the container stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking feature is segmented into distinct functional components: a tab member with first and second portions, a tab slot, and an engagement feature. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while contributing to the overall locking mechanism, resolving the contradiction by making the complex locking feature more manageable and easier to manufacture through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism uses an inverted approach where the tab member extends through the panel and engages with features on the opposite side, rather than traditional locking mechanisms that use external fasteners or adhesives. This inversion eliminates the need for additional bonding agents and simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining stability
2Stability of the object's composition
If tape or adhesive is used to hold the container in three-dimensional configuration, then the container stability is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to damage risk and complicated procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for tape or adhesive from the container assembly process. The locking feature achieves stability through purely mechanical means - the tab member engaging with the tab slot and engagement feature - thereby removing the harmful factors associated with adhesives while simplifying manufacturing procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The locking feature is designed to be self-sufficient and self-securing. The tab member automatically engages with the tab slot and engagement feature when the container is folded into its three-dimensional configuration, eliminating the need for external adhesives or additional assembly steps, thus improving ease of manufacture while maintaining stability
3Ease of operation
If the container is designed to be easily folded from flat to three-dimensional configuration, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to accidental opening during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The locking feature is designed to engage automatically as the container is being folded into its three-dimensional configuration. The tab member passes through the tab slot and engages with the engagement feature during the folding process itself, so the locking action occurs preliminarily during assembly rather than requiring separate steps. This maintains ease of operation while ensuring reliability by preventing accidental opening
Solution Approach 2:
The tab member acts as an intermediary element between the first and second portions of the panel. It physically connects these portions through the tab slot and engagement feature, creating a mechanical bond that secures the container during handling while allowing easy folding. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing both ease of operation and reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable container moveable between a flat configuration and a three-dimensional configuration is provided. The container includes a first panel having a first engagement feature, a second panel having a second engagement feature, and a third panel having a third engagement feature. The first engagement feature is configured to engage with the second engagement feature so as to secure the container in the three-dimensional configuration. The first engagement feature is also configured to engage with the third engagement feature so as to inhibit the first engagement feature from becoming disengaged from the second engagement feature.