Threaded Lid Retention Trays for Stackable Jar Shipping
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing packaging and shipping of canning jars and lids is inefficient, leading to increased packaging space, weight, and potential damage due to the non-stackable nature of two-part lid assemblies and the complexity of box-in-box packaging methods.
Innovation Solution
A packaging system featuring trays with container and lid retention structures that allow for efficient stacking and storage of canning jars and lids, using a first tray with indentations for containers and lid retention structures that threadably engage retainer elements, along with a second tray for additional support, and optional use of a retaining wrap or box for secure transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If box-in-box packaging method is used to prevent damage during shipping, then jar protection is improved, but packaging complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system is divided into modular components: a base tray for jars, a separate lid tray for lid assemblies, and optional outer box. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall packaging process compared to nested box-in-box structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid tray is designed to nest within or alongside the base tray, and both can be placed within an outer box if needed. This nested arrangement reduces packaging volume and eliminates the need for separate packaging materials between layers, simplifying the process while maintaining protection.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional packaging without integrated retention structures is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but packaging space efficiency and stacking capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The tray structure serves multiple functions: it provides a base for jar placement, includes integrated retention structures for securing jars, incorporates lid retention structures for organizing lid assemblies, and enables stable stacking. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate packaging components, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while maximizing space efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging system utilizes vertical stacking dimension by designing trays with stable base structures and complementary stacking surfaces. Multiple trays can be stacked vertically to package large quantities of jars and lids in a compact footprint, dramatically reducing the volume required for shipping and storage compared to flat, non-stackable packaging.
3Ease of operation
If non-stackable two-part lid assemblies are packaged separately, then assembly simplicity is maintained, but storage and transport efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system separately accommodates jar assemblies and lid assemblies in dedicated trays, maintaining the simplicity of two-part construction while enabling independent optimization of each component's packaging. This segmentation allows for efficient stacking and space utilization without compromising assembly simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Lid assemblies are designed to nest within the tray structure or alongside jar trays, maximizing the use of available packaging volume. This nesting capability allows multiple lid assemblies to be packaged in the same space as jar assemblies, dramatically improving storage and transport efficiency while maintaining the simple two-part assembly structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A packaging system for the packaging of a plurality of canning jars each including a canning container, a lid element, and a retainer element includes a first tray formed by a first wall. The first wall includes a plurality of first container retention structures formed therein with each of the first container retention structures forming an indentation configured to receive a first end portion of one of the canning containers therein. The first wall further includes a plurality of lid retention structures formed therein with each of the lid retention structures configured to threadably engage one of the retainer elements to couple each of the retainer elements to the first tray with a corresponding one of the lid elements disposed between the first tray and one of the retainer elements.