Self-Supporting Packaging Container with Interlocking End Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging containers made from corrugating board require additional tools or adhesives to maintain their shape and erected position, and they cannot self-support without closure by a lid.
Innovation Solution
A self-supporting packaging container design that uses integrated panels and scoring lines to form a rectangular shape without external assistance, where end panel tongues and tabs engage with side panels to lock the structure in place, allowing it to stand without additional securing means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If adhesive or adhesive tape is used to keep sides and end panels in erected position, then the container structure is stable, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The container structure is designed to maintain its own erected position through self-supporting mechanisms. The end panels engage with the side panels via integrated tabs and slots, creating a self-locking system that requires no external adhesives or fasteners. This self-service approach eliminates additional components while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizing function is merged into the structural components themselves. The end panels and side panels are designed with integrated engagement features (tabs and slots) that combine the structural support and stabilization functions into a single unified structure, eliminating the need for separate adhesive applications or additional fastening components.
2Ease of operation
If a third hand or special tool is used to raise the container from flat sheet, then the container can be erected, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The container blank is pre-designed with all necessary scoring lines, cuts, and engagement features (tabs and slots) in their correct positions before erection. This preliminary preparation of the flat sheet allows the container to be erected by simple folding and engagement actions without requiring complex tools or multiple hands, as the structural logic is already embedded in the blank design.
3Device complexity
If the container is designed without adhesive or lock members, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of maintaining erected position decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The container structure is designed to maintain its own erected position through self-supporting mechanisms. The end panels engage with the side panels via integrated tabs and slots, creating a self-locking system that requires no external adhesives or fasteners. This self-service approach eliminates additional components while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement between end panels and side panels creates a mechanically interlocked structure where the tabs fit into slots, forming a stable three-dimensional configuration. This geometric interlocking provides inherent reliability in maintaining the erected position through the physical geometry of the engaged components.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3c
Figure 3d~3f
AI summary
A packaging container is disclosed, comprising at least three integrally connected panels forming bottom (4) and adjoining sides (5, 6) in a rectangular container which is erected from a singular sheet of board (1); at least one end of the container being recessed by an end panel (8) which is arranged retracted inside a reinforced end zone, the reinforced end zone comprising strips (17, 18, 19) of side and bottom panel material folded back onto the bottom and side panels, wherein the end panel (8) is via a transverse bottom crease line (9) jointed to the folded back strip (19) of the bottom panel, the end panel (8) in each of its sides comprising an end panel flap (15, 16), respectively, the end panel flaps jointed to the end panel (8) via crease lines, each end panel flap (15, 16) co-extending in parallelism with an adjacent side panel (5, 6) in the container. A tongue (20, 21) is associated with the end panel (8) to extend inserted between the side panel (5, 6) and the appertaining strip (17, 18) in the side of the container.