Shipping Box With Outer Flap Tear Strip Resealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shipping boxes are not easily reusable after the first shipment, as they lack a reliable mechanism for resealing without external elements, which complicates returns and storage applications.

Innovation Solution

A shipping box design featuring a sheet of corrugated material with a lid comprising two inner flaps that engage self-adhesively and an outer flap with a self-adhesive sealing element and tear strip, allowing for easy opening and resealing without external elements, and additional flaps for enhanced security and resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional shipping box with hinged lid and engageable flaps is used, then the box structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the box cannot be easily reopened and resealed after first shipment

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereusabilityVSAvoidsealing mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is divided into two distinct pairs of flaps: inner flaps that engage with each other to close the box, and outer flaps that are longer and provide the sealing surface. This segmentation allows the inner flaps to perform the closing function while the outer flaps enable resealing, thus improving reusability without requiring a completely complex new mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The outer flaps are pre-configured with self-adhesive sealing elements (such as pressure-sensitive adhesive strips) attached to their inner surfaces before the box is used. This preliminary preparation of sealing elements on the outer flaps allows for easy resealing after the box is opened, enabling multiple uses without requiring external tapes or complex sealing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If external sealing elements like adhesive tape are used for resealing, then the box can be sealed multiple times, but the device complexity increases and recycling becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresealing capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is merged into the box structure itself by integrating self-adhesive sealing elements directly onto the outer flaps during manufacturing. This eliminates the need for separate external sealing elements like adhesive tapes, allowing the box to be sealed multiple times while maintaining manufacturing simplicity and ease of recycling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The box performs its own sealing function through the self-adhesive elements on the outer flaps, which can be applied and removed multiple times without requiring external tools or materials. The box seals itself by engaging the outer flaps with the self-adhesive elements, enabling repeated sealing and opening cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the outer flaps are made longer to accommodate sealing elements, then the box can be sealed multiple times, but the box volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresealing capabilityVSAvoidbox volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Only the outer flaps are extended in length to accommodate the sealing elements, while the inner flaps and the main box structure maintain their original dimensions. This localized extension of only the necessary portions (outer flaps) provides the resealing capability with minimal impact on the overall box volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Enables the box to be sealed at least twice, facilitating returns and storage without external tapes, providing reinforced structure, tamper-proofing, and easy recycling, while maintaining product protection during shipping.

Implementation Method 1

said at least one sealing element being a self-adhesive glue with a protective paper

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3784579B1Shipping box
Publication Date: 2022.07.06 EMBALAJES CAPSA
  • EP3784579B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3784579B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3784579B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a shipping box made up of a sheet, said box comprising: a lid (10), which comprises two inner flaps (2) and at least one outer flap (3), said at least one outer flap (3) comprising at least a sealing element (5) and at least a tear strip (4), a base (11), and four side walls (12, 13) in which the length (L1) of the at least one outer flap (3) is greater than the length (L2) of the inner flaps (2), defining a projecting portion (30) on the at least one outer flap (3) which projects with respect to the inner flaps (2) in the unfolded position of the sheet that forms the box, such that said at least one sealing element (5) and said at least one tear strip (4) are arranged on said projecting portion (30).