Variable Capacity Packaging Device Using Semi-Rigid Flong
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging devices, such as envelopes and parcels, often have limited variable capacity and inadequate protection for items, leading to oversized packaging and difficulties in expanding the device for larger objects, especially when made of rigid materials.
Innovation Solution
A variable capacity packaging device with rectangular or square side walls connected by fold lines, including bellows with 45° fold lines and additional fold lines for enhanced protection and volume adjustment, made from semi-rigid materials like cardboard, allowing for easy expansion and secure closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If envelopes use two side walls connected by bellows to increase capacity, then the capacity can be varied, but the protection at the ends is inadequate because the side walls are moved apart and the openings are not closed
Solution Approach 1:
The bellows are segmented into multiple flaps (first flaps and second flaps) connected by fold lines, allowing the structure to be divided into protective segments that can close the ends while maintaining expandability. Each flap acts as an independent protective element that can be folded into position to seal the packaging ends.
Solution Approach 2:
The flaps are pre-positioned and connected to the side walls through fold lines, ready to be folded into the closed position. The 45° fold lines are pre-formed to facilitate the folding action, allowing the ends to be quickly sealed without requiring additional fastening components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If packaging devices are made of rigid materials to reinforce protection, then the protection is improved, but the device is relatively difficult to put in volume and expand
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging device transitions from a flat state to a three-dimensional volume through dynamic folding actions. The fold lines (including 45° fold lines and lines parallel to the bottom) enable the rigid material to be transformed into an expandable structure that can be easily put in volume by folding the flaps and side walls into their final positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid material (cardboard or similar) is designed with fold lines and flap structures that allow it to behave like a flexible shell during assembly. The material maintains its rigidity for protection once assembled, but the fold lines enable easy transformation from flat to three-dimensional form without requiring complex fastening mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If envelopes use closing flaps to close the tube formed by side walls and bellows, then the envelope can be closed, but the protection at the ends is still not optimal
Solution Approach 1:
The closing mechanism is segmented into multiple flaps (first flaps connected to one side wall and second flaps connected to the other side wall) rather than a single closing flap. These flaps are distributed along the bellows structure and can be folded independently to provide comprehensive end protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection is extended from a single-point closure to a multi-dimensional sealing system. The flaps are arranged to cover the ends from multiple angles and positions, creating a more comprehensive protective barrier that addresses the inadequate protection issue while maintaining ease of closure.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4B
Figure 4C~4F
AI summary
The device has rectangular or square side walls (14, 16) provided with first and second fold lines (44, 48) arranged parallel to a third fold line (18). The first and second fold lines are formed remote from edges of the side walls by a distance (L), and extends at the level of gussets comprising fourth and fifth fold lines (46, 50) at 45 degree. The fourth and fifth fold lines extend from intersection lines of the first and second fold lines with sixth and seventh fold lines (31, 33) connecting folds (26, 26', 28, 28') of the gussets with the walls. An independent claim is also included for a semi-rigid blank for obtaining a packing device, comprising side walls.