Stackable Packaging Container with Interlocking Protrusions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging containers lack efficient and environmentally friendly designs that allow for stable stacking, secure transport, and display capabilities while maintaining cost-effectiveness and visual appeal.
Innovation Solution
Designing a packaging container made of cardboard or corrugated board with protrusions on the top side and recesses on the underside, or vice versa, using inserts made of plastic or biodegradable fiber materials, which can be molded into various shapes to create a secure and visually appealing stacking system that also serves as a display rack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional packaging containers are used, then manufacturing is simple, but stacking stability and transport security are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The container structure is segmented into modular units with standardized protrusions and recesses that can be independently configured. This allows the container to be divided into functional segments (stacking elements, display elements, sealing elements) that work together to improve stacking stability without requiring complete structural redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates nested stacking mechanisms where protrusions of upper containers fit into recesses of lower containers, creating a nested interlocking system. This nesting approach provides secure stacking while maintaining a compact overall structure that doesn't significantly increase container footprint.
2Reliability
If protrusions and recesses are added to containers, then stacking and transport security improve, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Protrusions and recesses are pre-formed into the container structure during the molding or fabrication process rather than being added as separate components. This preliminary action ensures that the security features are integrated into the base container structure, avoiding additional assembly steps and reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for parameter optimization of protrusions and recesses (size, shape, position, depth) to achieve the minimum necessary for transport security. By carefully selecting and standardizing these parameters, the features can be efficiently manufactured using conventional molding techniques without requiring complex tooling or multi-step processes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If inserts are used to create protrusions and recesses, then stacking functionality is achieved, but material cost and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The insert and container are merged into a single integrated structure where the protrusions and recesses are formed as integral parts of the container itself. This merging eliminates the need for separate inserts, reducing material usage and eliminating the environmental impact associated with producing and disposing of additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The container structure is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: the same protrusions and recesses that provide stacking functionality also serve as structural reinforcement elements and can be configured for display purposes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby reducing material consumption and waste.
4Stability of the object's composition
If containers are designed for secure stacking, then transport stability improves, but display capability and product visibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The container design applies different qualities to different regions: the top and bottom surfaces feature protrusions and recesses for secure stacking, while the side surfaces are designed with display windows, transparent panels, or graphic printing areas for product visibility. This local differentiation allows stacking stability and display capability to coexist without compromising either function.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from two-dimensional flat container surfaces to three-dimensional stacked configurations where the stacking function operates vertically while display functions operate horizontally on side surfaces. This dimensional separation allows both stacking stability and display capability to function simultaneously in different spatial dimensions.
Data Source
AI summary
A packaging container having a top side, a bottom side extending parallel to the top side, and at least one side wall extending between the top side and the bottom side. The top side can have at least one protrusion, and the opposite side extending parallel can have at least one recess, into which a protrusion of a packaging container, for example, an identically shaped packing container, can be inserted. Such a packaging container can be produced in an economical and environmentally friendly manner, for example, by having holes punched in the top side and in the bottom side, and the protrusions and recesses attached in inserts, which are inserted into the packaging container.