Sliding Inner Frame for Consumer Goods Container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers for elongate consumer goods, such as aerosol-generating articles, often have empty space that causes the goods to shift and become damaged during transport, and there is a need for a design that securely holds goods in place without requiring significant modifications to existing packaging equipment.
Innovation Solution
A container with an inner frame that slides within the box portion, allowing the goods to be held securely in a reduced volume space and facilitating easy access when the lid is opened, while being compatible with existing manufacturing machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the container is made larger to accommodate more consumer goods, then the storage capacity is improved, but the consumer goods are more likely to be displaced or shaken during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into two functional spaces: an inner frame that holds the consumer goods and a outer box portion that provides structural support. The inner frame can be slid independently within the box portion, separating the goods containment function from the overall container structure. This allows the goods to be securely held in a defined space while the outer container maintains its protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner frame is designed to slide dynamically within the box portion along the longitudinal axis. When the lid is opened, the inner frame automatically slides to a raised position, bringing the goods closer to the user. When the lid is closed, the inner frame returns to a lowered position, securing the goods. This dynamic movement allows the container to adapt between storage and access states.
2Reliability
If the inner frame back wall is spaced from the box portion back wall, then the goods are more securely held in position, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inner frame is segmented into multiple panels (front panel, side panels, back panels) that are connected through fold lines. This segmentation allows the back wall to be spaced from the box portion back wall while maintaining structural integrity through the panel connections. The spaced design creates a defined internal volume that securely holds the goods without requiring complex additional support structures.
3Ease of operation
If the inner frame is designed to slide within the box portion, then the goods are easily accessible when the lid is opened, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the lid opening action. When the lid is opened, the inner frame automatically slides to the raised position without requiring additional motors, sensors, or control systems. The mechanical connection between the lid and inner frame allows the opening motion to naturally drive the sliding action, making the system self-service and eliminating complex actuation mechanisms.
4Volume of stationary object
If the minimum spacing between inner frame front panel and back wall is reduced, then the container volume is optimized, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inner frame is constructed from multiple segmented panels connected at fold lines, which allows for more flexible dimensional control. Each panel can be manufactured with standard dimensions and then assembled to create the required internal volume. This segmentation reduces the precision requirements for individual panel dimensions while maintaining the overall volume optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for adjustable spacing parameters between the inner frame panels and the box portion. By optimizing the fold line positions and panel dimensions, the container achieves volume efficiency without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances. The spaced back wall design provides flexibility in parameter adjustment to balance volume and manufacturing feasibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A container for consumer goods is provided, the container including a box portion and a lid portion depending along a hinge line from a top edge of the box portion. An inner frame is slidably received within the box portion, the inner frame including an inner frame front panel, and first and second inner frame side panels each depending along an inner frame side panel fold line from first and second inner frame front panel side edges respectively. Each of the first and second inner frame side panels includes a back edge spaced apart from the respective inner frame side panel fold line. The inner frame further includes first and second inner frame back panels each depending along a respective inner frame back panel fold line from the first and second inner frame side panels respectively.