Segmental Box Lid With Pivotable Tabs For Reusable Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cardboard boxes suffer from limited service-life due to structural damage when repeatedly opened and closed, as the overlapping flap configuration causes inelastic strains and compromises stability.
Innovation Solution
A box design featuring four pivotally attached flaps with pivotable tabs and joints that allow for interlocking closure without compromising structural integrity, enabling multiple cycles of opening and closing without distortion or stress on the flaps and walls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If flaps are folded in an overlapping configuration to form top and bottom surfaces, then the box can be closed without adhesive tape or supplemental reinforcement, but at least one flap must be distorted and one or more adjacent walls stressed such that they endure inelastic strains that diminish structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is divided into multiple flaps (first, second, third, and fourth flaps) that can be independently folded and positioned. Each flap is pivotally attached to a separate wall, allowing independent movement and reducing stress concentration on any single wall-flap connection point.
Solution Approach 2:
The flaps are designed to be pivotally configurable, allowing dynamic adjustment between closed, open, and partially open positions. This dynamic capability enables the flaps to adapt to different operational states without requiring permanent distortion or supplemental reinforcement.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If flaps are folded in an overlapping configuration to extend service-life, then adhesive tape or supplemental reinforcement is avoided, but repeated opening and closing cycles cause inelastic strains that compromise stability
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotal configuration allows flaps to dynamically adjust between closed, open, and partially open positions, enabling repeated operational cycles without permanent deformation. The dynamic design accommodates stress during opening and closing while maintaining structural stability throughout the service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The flaps can change their angular position parameter between fully closed, partially open, and fully open states. This parameter variability allows the structure to accommodate repeated cycling without permanent strain accumulation, extending service life while maintaining stability.
3Strength
If flaps are made pivotally configurable to allow multiple positions, then the box can be disposed between closed and open configurations without compromising structural integrity, but additional pivotable tabs and joints are required
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is segmented into multiple flaps with pivotable tabs and joints at predetermined locations. This segmentation allows each flap to be independently controlled, providing structural integrity through distributed pivot points rather than a single complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotable tabs are integrated into the flap structures themselves, with joints located at predetermined positions on each flap. The tabs and joints are nested within the existing flap geometry, adding minimal complexity while enabling multiple configurable positions.
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 design allows the box to maintain structural integrity through multiple cycles of opening and closing, extending its service-life without the need for supplemental reinforcement like adhesive tape.
Implementation Method 1
The first flap is pivotally attached to a top side of a first wall and is pivotally configurable about the top side of the first wall. The second flap is pivotally attached to a top side of a second wall and is pivotally configurable about the top side of the second wall.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary, nonlimiting embodiment of the present disclosure provides a box, as well as a method of use for the box, which may be opened and closed without substantially damaging the structural integrity of the box. The box comprises a segmental lid, which comprises of a first, second, third, and fourth flap. The first and fourth flaps further comprise a first and second pivotable tab, respectfully. The pivotable tabs are pivotally configurable and are preferably configured to be oriented in substantially opposing directions, relative to one another when the first and fourth flap are disposed in the same plane. The pivotable to allow for the flaps to be disposed in a closed position without damaging the box. The method comprises disposing the flaps into their respectively closed positions such that they may be subsequently re-opened without compromising the structural integrity of the box.