Variable Fastener Box for Agricultural Product Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current agricultural packaging solutions, such as waxed cardboard and wooden boxes, lack efficient closure mechanisms and structural integrity for securely holding and stacking agricultural products like corn, leading to issues with compression and bulging during transportation and storage.
Innovation Solution
A blank for forming a box with variable fastener assemblies comprising inner and outer latching tabs and keeping holes, allowing for multiple secure configurations and accommodating articles of varying sizes, along with elongate flutes for enhanced stacking strength and recyclability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional closure mechanisms are used in waxed cardboard and wooden boxes, then the boxes can be sealed, but they lack structural integrity and allow bulging during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The closure mechanism is segmented into multiple independent fastener assemblies distributed around the box perimeter, each comprising a flap with latch feature and a corresponding panel with receiving feature. This segmentation allows localized reinforcement without compromising overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch and receiving features are pre-configured in specific geometric arrangements that engage automatically when flaps are folded into place. The features are designed with predetermined engagement geometries that prevent bulging before transportation begins, rather than requiring additional reinforcement during transit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If simple closure mechanisms are used, then the box can be easily assembled, but they cannot securely hold articles of varying sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener assembly design with multiple latch and receiving features enables a single closure mechanism to accommodate various article sizes and shapes. The same basic structure can secure small items or large items depending on how the flaps are positioned and which features engage, eliminating the need for multiple different closure types.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure mechanism allows dynamic adjustment of flap positions and engagement configurations to match different cargo volumes. Users can selectively engage different latch and receiving feature pairs based on the size and shape of articles being transported, providing adaptability without requiring complex adjustable components.
3Reliability
If multiple fastener assemblies are used to secure flaps, then the box can prevent bulging, but the closure mechanism becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fastener assemblies are merged into a unified closure system where all latch and receiving features follow the same geometric design patterns. This standardization allows the multiple assemblies to work together as an integrated system rather than separate complex mechanisms, simplifying manufacturing and assembly while maintaining anti-bulging effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch and receiving features utilize geometric parameter variations (such as different engagement depths, angles, and positions) to provide multiple securement options within a standardized design framework. These parameter changes enable reliable bulging prevention across different fastener assemblies without requiring fundamentally different mechanisms.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional box materials are used, then the boxes can be manufactured, but they are not eco-friendly and difficult to recycle
Solution Approach 1:
The entire box structure including all fastener assemblies, flaps, and panels is constructed from homogeneous corrugated fiberboard material without mixed materials, adhesives, or metal components. This material homogeneity enables complete recyclability while maintaining ease of manufacture through standard fiberboard forming and folding processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The box is designed as a single-use recyclable package made from inexpensive, readily available corrugated fiberboard. After one use, the entire box can be easily disposed of and recycled without requiring disassembly or material separation, embodying the concept of affordable, short-lifecycle packaging that prioritizes recyclability over durability.
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener assembly can include a latch of a first flap and a hole of a second flap. The latch and hole can be configured to be mated together to releasably fasten the first and second flaps to one another when the first and second flaps are in an overlapping configuration. The latch can be inwardly spaced apart from each outer peripheral edge of the first flap, and the hole can be inwardly spaced apart from each outer peripheral edge of the second flap. The fastener assembly can be a variable fastener assembly configured to be in a variety of predetermined fastened configurations for securing the first and second flaps to one another in a variety of predetermined overlapping configurations.