Segmented Container Structure for Game Ball Inspection and Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional packaging of game balls inhibits consumer inspection and limits information availability, while loose display at retail locations fails to provide adequate protection and information to consumers.

Innovation Solution

A container structure with foldable wings and protrusions that expose the game ball for inspection, provides space for information display, and offers protection during transport and at retail locations, allowing consumers to visually inspect and understand the product's specifications and materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If game balls are packaged in conventional boxes, then protection during transport is improved, but consumer inspection ability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection during transportVSAvoidconsumer inspection ability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The container is divided into multiple panels (front, back, left, right, top, bottom) that can be selectively opened or removed. This segmentation allows the container to provide full protection when closed while enabling consumers to open specific panels to inspect the game ball from multiple angles without requiring complete disassembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The container incorporates movable and removable panels rather than a fixed rigid structure. The front panel can be removed entirely or opened, and the rear panel can be opened, allowing the container to dynamically transition between a fully protective closed state and an open state that enables consumer inspection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If game balls are displayed loosely in bins, then consumer inspection is improved, but protection and information availability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconsumer inspectionVSAvoidprotection from damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The container's segmented panel design allows consumers to open or remove specific panels to inspect the game ball while the remaining panels continue to provide protection and structural support, unlike loose display where no protection exists.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The container serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides protection during transport, enables consumer inspection through openable panels, and displays product information on the panel surfaces. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between inspection access and protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional packaging is used, then protection is improved, but information availability to consumers deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveprotectionVSAvoidinformation availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The container panels serve dual purposes: they provide physical protection when closed and serve as information display surfaces when opened or viewed. Product information, specifications, and branding can be printed directly on the panels, making information readily available without compromising protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The container's panels can be opened or removed to reveal additional information about the game ball while maintaining protection through the remaining closed panels. This dynamic configuration allows information to be accessible without completely exposing the product to damage risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2261127B1Structure to form a container
Publication Date: 2012.02.15 NIKE INTERNATIONAL LTD
  • EP2261127B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2261127B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2261127B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A structure (10) configurable for holding and displaying a product (100) (e.g., a game ball or sporting equipment) may include one or more sides having an aperture through which the contained product is visible. One or more sides of the structure may include flaps (16A, 16B) that are flexible inward toward an interior of the structure. The flaps may include a protrusion (18A-18D) configured to contact and hold the product contained in the structure. A first flap (16A) may further include slits (22A) for receiving portions of a second flap (16B) to form a side of the structure. One or more sides of the structure may be void of an aperture to provide a surface on which information about the product may be displayed.