Arcuate-Fold Article Carrier for Secure Multi-Diameter Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cartons for carrying multiple articles face challenges in efficiently engaging and securing the contents, particularly for articles with varying diameters, while minimizing material usage and ensuring impact resistance.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a main panel with article retention structures featuring engaging teeth and abutment tabs, hinged connections defined by arcuate or linear fold lines, and optional end panels, allowing for flexible engagement and secure retention of articles through a series of hinged connections and cutlines, optimized for various article shapes and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional linear fold lines are used for hinged connections, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the engagement effectiveness and impact resistance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by replacing traditional linear fold lines with arcuate fold lines in the hinged connections. This curved geometry provides progressive engagement as the carrier is assembled, allowing the side panels to flex and conform to articles of varying diameters while maintaining secure retention. The arcuate shape distributes stress more effectively during engagement, improving reliability without adding significant manufacturing complexity.
2Strength
If more material is used to strengthen the carton, then the impact resistance and strength improve, but the material waste and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the carton structure into distinct functional components: a main panel with engagement features, side panels with hinged connections, and optional end panels. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the main panel provides structural strength and engagement, while the hinged side panels provide flexibility and impact absorption. This targeted approach strengthens the carton where needed without adding unnecessary material throughout the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinged connections with arcuate fold lines introduce dynamic flexibility to the carton structure. The side panels can flex and move relative to the main panel, allowing the carton to absorb impact forces dynamically rather than relying solely on rigid material strength. This dynamic capability provides impact resistance while using less material than a fully rigid construction would require.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the carton is designed to accommodate articles with varying diameters, then the versatility improves, but the engagement precision and security decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the main panel with engagement features that serve multiple functions: they provide secure retention for articles of various diameters, maintain structural integrity, and guide the engagement process. The arcuate hinged connections similarly serve multiple purposes by accommodating different article sizes while maintaining consistent engagement precision through their curved geometry, which naturally conforms to circular cross-sections regardless of diameter.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to an article carrier (90; 190; 390; 490) for packaging one or more articles and a blank (10; 110; 210; 310; 410; 510) for forming the carrier. The carrier (90; 190; 390; 490) comprises a main panel (12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512) having one or more article retention structures (RT1, RT2) for receiving and securing the main panel (12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512) to a respective article (B). The carrier (90; 190; 390; 490) comprises a side panel (18, 20; 118, 120; 218, 220; 318, 320; 418, 420, 518, 520) hingedly connected to the main panel (12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512) by a hinged connection. The hinged connection between the main panel (12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512) and the side panel (18, 20; 118, 120; 218, 220; 318, 320; 418, 420, 518, 520) is defined, at least in part, by a curved or arcuate fold line (13, 15, 17, 19).