Closure-Flap Transport Box With Integrated Object Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional transport boxes require additional filling materials to prevent objects from moving and getting damaged during transport, leading to waste generation and increased costs due to disposable materials.

Innovation Solution

A transport box design with retention elements on closure flaps that utilize cuts and coupling tools to secure objects without the need for additional fillers, utilizing cardboard material for retention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If conventional cardboard boxes with flaps are used for transport, then the box structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but additional filling materials are required to secure objects and prevent damage during transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilling material wasteVSAvoidbox structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the sealing function and the object retention function into a single closure flap structure. The retention elements are integrated directly into the flap, eliminating the need for separate filling materials while maintaining both sealing and securing capabilities in one component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The closure flap is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: sealing the box opening and retaining objects through integrated retention elements. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate filling materials, reducing waste while maintaining protective capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If filling materials like air plastic bags, polystyrene foams, and paper leaves are used to secure objects, then object protection during transport is improved, but material waste and disposal costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject protection during transportVSAvoiddisposable material waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The box structure provides its own object retention function through integrated retention elements in the closure flaps, eliminating the need for external filling materials. The system serves its own retention needs through its inherent structure, reducing disposable material waste while maintaining reliable object protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If retention elements with cuts and coupling tools are integrated into closure flaps, then object retention capability is improved without fillers, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction cost reductionVSAvoidflap structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retention elements are created by making cuts in the flap material, dividing it into segments that can flex and adapt. These segmented structures with coupling tools provide effective retention while being relatively simple to manufacture through cutting processes, balancing complexity and functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20260035129A1Transport box

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 MERCADOLIBRE INC

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a transport box with at least three closure flaps at each of the upper and lower openings of the box. At least one of the upper and lower openings includes elements for retaining objects. Each element for retaining objects includes a plurality of cuts through its flat face, and, at its free end, includes at least one coupling tool configured to couple to a corresponding coupling tool from the opposite element for retaining objects.