Article Carrier Retention Structure With Bridged Cover Panel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging cartons require improvements in material efficiency, structural strength, and secure article retention while allowing for display and protection of the contents.
Innovation Solution
The article engaging carrier features a main panel with article retention structures defined by engaging teeth and a cover panel connected by bridging strips, optionally with stopper tabs, to securely hold articles and provide protection or display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If cartons are formed from minimal material to reduce cost and environmental impact, then material efficiency improves, but structural strength and article retention capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is segmented into distinct functional components: a main panel forming the carrier body, multiple article retention structures with engaging teeth for securing articles, and a separate cover panel that can be detached. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while using minimal material overall.
Solution Approach 2:
The article retention structures incorporate movable engaging teeth that can flex and adapt to different article shapes and sizes. The bridging strips connecting the cover panel to the main panel allow for dynamic movement and adjustment, enabling the structure to maintain strength while using less material.
2Reliability
If article retention structures are designed to securely hold articles, then article retention capability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover panel is merged with the article retention structures through bridging strips, creating an integrated assembly that functions as a unified unit. The engaging teeth are integrated directly into the article retention structures, eliminating the need for separate fastening mechanisms and reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover panel serves multiple functions: it protects the upper end of articles, provides a surface for display information, and can be detached for access. The article retention structures with engaging teeth can accommodate various article types and sizes, making the carrier universally applicable.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a cover panel is added to protect and display articles, then protection and display capability improve, but material usage and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cover panel is constructed as a thin, flexible structure that provides adequate protection for articles while minimizing material usage. The bridging strips connecting the cover to the main panel use minimal material to achieve the necessary structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover panel simultaneously provides protection for articles, a surface for displaying information, and can be configured in various ways depending on the application. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to an article engaging device (390; 490; 590), an article carrier (90; 190) for packaging one or more articles and to a blank (10; 110; 210; 310; 410; 510) for forming the device or carrier. The device or carrier comprises a main panel (12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512) including an article retention structure (RT; RT1, RT2) having an article receiving opening defined in part by a plurality of engaging teeth (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, 40e; 140b, 140c, 140e; 240b, 246, 250; 340a, 340c, 340e; 440a, 440c, 440e; 540a, 540e, 540f). The article retention structures (RT; RT1, RT2) comprise a cover panel (14; 114; 214; 314; 414; 514) coupled to the main panel (12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512) by at least one, two or more bridging strips (42; 142; 242; 342; 442; 542). Each bridging strip (42; 142; 242; 342; 442; 542) extends from an engaging or connecting tooth (40c, 40d; 140c; 240c; 340c; 440c; 540e) and is directly connected to the cover panel (14; 114; 214; 314; 414; 514).