Variable Size Double Crash-Lock Carton for Tall Containers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions fail to effectively stabilize and prevent tipping of tall, thin containers such as bud vases during transportation, leading to potential spillage and damage.
Innovation Solution
A carton design featuring two opposed crush-lock ends, a flat bottom, and a top with a substantially center opening, along with cut lines for accommodating different sizes, allowing for secure support and upright positioning of containers through a foldable and lockable structure made from corrugated paperboard.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a tall and thin container is used, then it provides adequate space for floral arrangements, but it becomes unstable and prone to tipping during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The carton is designed with a nested structure where the container is placed inside a larger outer carton. The inner carton contains the tall thin container, while the outer carton provides additional structural support and stability. This nested configuration allows the inner container to maintain its tall thin shape for adequate space while the outer carton prevents tipping during transportation.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging system uses composite structural elements combining inner and outer cartons with different structural properties. The inner carton provides a snug fit for the container while the outer carton provides enhanced stability and crash protection. This composite packaging approach resolves the contradiction between maintaining container shape and preventing tipping.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid box structure is used, then it provides stable support, but it cannot accommodate containers of various sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The carton incorporates flexible elements such as score lines and foldable panels that allow the structure to adapt to different container sizes. The sides of the carton can be folded or adjusted to accommodate varying diameters of containers while maintaining overall structural stability. This dynamic design enables the same carton to stabilize containers of various sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The carton is divided into modular sections with score lines that create adjustable panels. These segmented structures can be configured differently to match various container dimensions while maintaining the overall stable support function. The segmentation allows for customization without compromising the stabilizing capability.
3Strength
If a crush-lock structure is used, then it provides shock-resistant support, but it increases the complexity of the carton design
Solution Approach 1:
The crush-lock structure is designed to automatically lock and stabilize the carton when closed, without requiring additional fastening mechanisms or complex assembly steps. The interlocking sides of the carton engage themselves to provide shock-resistant support, making the complexity inherent in the structure itself serve the protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is merged with the structural walls of the carton itself rather than being a separate component. The sides of the carton are designed to interlock and lock into place as part of the basic structure, combining the locking function with the structural support function to reduce overall complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The carton design provides shock-resistant support and prevents tipping, ensuring the stability of variously sized containers during transportation and shipping, effectively protecting their contents from damage.
Implementation Method 1
a carton which has two opposed crush-lock ends, a flat bottom and a top which has a substantially center opening
Data Source
AI summary
A carton having two opposed crush-lock ends, a flat bottom and opposed top with a substantially central opening which can accommodate receptacles having necks of varying diameters. The carton is designed to be shipped as a flat partially assembled blank which can be erected into a substantially rectangular box by pushing inwardly on the edges so the side panels of the box lock in substantially flat configuration. The top opening has outwardly radiating cut lines to define wedge shaped segments with an arcuate score line intersecting the segments whereby the segments can deflect and accommodate different sized receptacles.