Integral Locking Tabs for Rigid U-Board Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional U-board packaging requires two people to properly secure large or fragile items, as it is cumbersome and time-consuming to fold and fasten, often necessitating additional materials and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A rigid U-board with integral locking tabs formed by cuts in the sidewalls, allowing for self-locking and easy wrapping around items without additional materials, enabling single-person operation and efficient securing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional U-board packaging is used, then the packaging provides rigid protection for items, but it requires two people to properly secure the item and is cumbersome to fasten
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the U-board structure itself. Integral tabs are formed as part of the U-board, and corresponding recesses are built into the board, eliminating the need for separate locking components or additional materials like tape or straps. This integration allows one person to easily secure the packaging while maintaining rigid protection.
2Ease of manufacture
If additional fastening materials like tape or straps are used, then the U-board can be secured around the item, but the cost and material waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The U-board is designed to be self-sufficient with built-in locking capabilities. The integral tabs and recesses work together to secure the board around the item without requiring external fastening materials. This eliminates material waste from tape, straps, or other additional fastening components while maintaining ease of manufacture and secure fastening capability.
3Strength
If the U-board is made rigid to protect fragile items, then protection is provided, but it cannot be easily folded or manipulated by one person
Solution Approach 1:
The U-board is segmented with cuts that create movable sections while maintaining overall structural rigidity. These cuts allow the board to be manipulated and folded by one person during packaging, yet the rigid sections provide protective strength for fragile items. The segmentation enables easy operation without sacrificing the protective rigidity needed for fragile item protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A rigid packaging container having an integral locking assembly is a rigid U-board having a bottom wall, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall, the bottom wall, the first sidewall and the second sidewall forming a channel. The first and second sidewalls each have a cut therethrough, forming a first channel section and a second channel section. An integral tab in the first sidewall of each of the first channel section and the second channel section is configured to form an integral locking assembly which may be pushed inwardly or pulled outwardly to secure the first channel section at an angle relative to the second channel section.