Thumb-Actuated Candy Box Sideways Slide Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging for solid pourable products, such as candy or mints, is not truly pocket-sized, nor easily operable with one hand, as the slide opening is typically tied to the top or bottom of the box, causing the user's thumb to block the dispensing opening when attempting to open it.
Innovation Solution
A package design featuring a sideways sliding opening mechanism actuated by the thumb, allowing for easy one-handed operation without blocking the opening, and constructed from a single sheet of stock to simplify manufacturing and avoid complex assembly steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the slide opening is tied to the top or bottom of the box, then the opening mechanism is simple, but the user's thumb blocks the dispensing opening when attempting to open it
Solution Approach 1:
The slide opening mechanism is repositioned from the top or bottom of the box to one of the side surfaces. This dimensional change allows the thumb to engage the slide tab on the side of the box while dispensing through the top opening, eliminating the blocking problem while maintaining operational simplicity
2Ease of operation
If the box is made large enough to include all components, then the slide mechanism can function properly, but the box cannot fit in the user's pocket
Solution Approach 1:
The box is segmented into multiple components that can be nested within each other: the slide mechanism, top flap, and bottom portions are designed to collapse or nest when not in use, allowing the entire structure to compress to a pocket-sized form factor while maintaining full functionality when deployed
3Ease of operation
If the box is designed for one-handed operation, then the user can easily operate it while driving, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The box incorporates self-latching mechanisms and automatic slide engagement features that reduce the need for complex manual operations. The slide tab automatically engages with the dispensing mechanism, and flaps self-latch when closed, allowing simple one-handed operation without requiring complex control systems
Data Source
AI summary
A novel candy or mints box has an opening near the top of the box and an underlying slide that is moveable sideways across the opening. Preferably the top portion of the box includes a flap with an opening, and the flap extends over a corresponding opening in the front side such that the openings align, and the slide lies between the front side of the box and the top flap. The slide also preferably further includes a stop member and the box has a corresponding catch member, such that the slide is always contained within the box. Advantageously, the box is formed from a single blank piece of paper or cardboard stock, and folded in a particular sequence such that the slide ends up inside the box without the need for a separate insertion step.