Constraint-based design support for the improved erection of packaging

Within the consumer goods industry, cartons are a common way to package a variety of products. Although the primary function of the packaging is to protect the product, it is also used as an advertising tool to promote the product. This, in conjunction with environmental pressures to reduce the amount of packaging, often leads to redesigns of the shape and size of the packaging. When such new designs are required, it becomes necessary to simulate their erection to ensure that this functions correctly. In this paper a constraint-based technique is employed to model the carton and to provide such a simulation. It is also possible to model the mechanisms used to erect cartons using the same techniques and hence simulate and improve the way in which carton faces are driven and guided. The techniques are also investigated in their ability to fold origami boxes. It is discovered that the form of the constraints used may need to change during the process, when previous folding operations limit subsequent possible motions.