Tray Denesting Shoulder Mechanism for Stacking Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing containers and trays lack efficient dividing features and denesting mechanisms, making them inefficient for stacking and separating, particularly when holding multiple products.

Innovation Solution

A tray design featuring a plurality of panels with end, side, and bottom panels, foldable end flaps, and denesting features such as a denesting shoulder that extends from the sidewall to engage lower trays, forming a denesting gap for easy separation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If trays are designed for compact stacking to save space, then storage efficiency is improved, but separation and handling become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestacking spaceVSAvoidseparation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tray is divided into multiple independent sections or compartments within the stacking structure. Each tray unit has distinct separating features that allow individual trays to be easily detached from the stack while maintaining compact arrangement when stacked. The segmentation enables both space efficiency and ease of separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Separating features such as tabs, slots, or interlocking mechanisms are introduced as intermediary elements between adjacent trays. These features facilitate easy separation by providing a mechanical interface that allows trays to be pulled apart without damage, while still allowing compact stacking when engaged. The intermediary features mediate between the conflicting requirements of compact stacking and easy separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If trays are designed with integrated dividers to organize products, then product organization is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct organizationVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dividers are merged with the tray body into a single integrated structure rather than separate components. The dividing features are formed as part of the tray's wall or bottom surface, eliminating the need for separate divider parts and reducing assembly steps. This merging maintains product organization capability while simplifying manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The dividers are formed using thin-walled structures or folded portions of the tray material itself. By using the tray's own material to form dividing sections through folding or shaping, the design achieves product organization without adding complex mechanical structures. This approach reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining functional separation of products.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of operation

If trays are designed for easy separation to improve handling, then handling efficiency is improved, but stacking stability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling easeVSAvoidstacking stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The stacking mechanism is designed to be dynamically adjustable. The separating features include elements that can be engaged or disengaged based on handling requirements. When stacked, the features provide stable interlocking; when separation is needed, the same features allow easy detachment. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction between stacking stability and handling ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The separating features are designed with asymmetric geometries that provide directional engagement. The asymmetry creates a natural locking mechanism during stacking while allowing easy separation in a specific direction. This asymmetric design enables stable stacking when properly oriented while facilitating easy handling and separation when needed, resolving the stability-ease contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS20250033826A1Container With Denesting Features
Publication Date: 2025.01.30 GRAPHIC PACKAGING INTERNATIONAL LLC
  • US20250033826A1 patent drawing
  • US20250033826A1 patent drawing
  • US20250033826A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A tray for holding one or more products includes a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the tray, the plurality of panels including at least one end panel, at least one bottom panel, and at least one side panel, a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels, a sidewall including the at least one side panel, a bottom wall comprising the at least one bottom panel, at least one end wall including the at least one end panel, and denesting features including a denesting shoulder extending from the sidewall and positioned for engaging a lower tray in a stack of trays to form a denesting gap between stacked trays.