Single-Sheet Container with Integrated Cutouts for Power Meter Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers for transporting and storing power meters often require complex assembly, are not reusable, and do not adequately protect the meters during transportation and storage, failing to meet standards set by organizations like the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
Innovation Solution
A container formed from a single sheet of material with integrated cutouts and fold lines, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, which is reusable and compliant with ANSI standards, featuring secure cutouts to prevent damage during transport and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If containers are assembled from separate blanks of sheet material and/or inserts, then the container can be formed with adequate structure, but the assembly time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate blanks and inserts into a single integrated blank that forms the complete container structure. The single blank includes integrated features such as side walls, bottom panels, and support structures that were previously separate components, eliminating the need for assembly operations to join multiple parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The single blank is designed with pre-defined fold lines and cutouts that segment the structure into functional regions (side walls, bottom, supports) while maintaining it as one continuous piece. This allows the container to be formed through simple folding and interlocking operations rather than complex assembly of separate components.
2Reliability
If containers are designed for adequate protection during transportation, then meter security is improved, but the container complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective support structures are integrated directly into the single blank rather than being separate inserts. The blank includes formed panels and cutouts that create meter supports, securing mechanisms, and protective compartments as inherent features of the container structure itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The container structure includes self-aligning and self-securing features where panels automatically position and lock into place during assembly. The interlocking flaps and cutouts create automatic meter securing mechanisms that require no additional fasteners or complex assembly steps.
3Loss of substance
If containers are made reusable and collapsible, then waste is reduced, but the structural strength and protection capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed with collapsible side walls and foldable panels that allow the structure to be compressed and flattened after use. The single blank construction includes hinge-like fold lines that enable the rigid container form during use to transition into a compact collapsed state for storage or disposal, eliminating the need for permanent rigid structures.
Data Source
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AI summary
A blank (100) of material is provided. The blank includes four side panels (112, 114, 116, 118) each including a top edge (402, 422, 408, 426) and a bottom edge (202, 206, 302, 306), and four bottom panels (200, 204, 300, 304) each extending from a respective one of the side panel bottom edges. The blank further includes at least one securing assembly (492, 494) including a plurality of cutouts (450, 452), the securing assembly extending from the top edge of one of the side panels.