Article Carrier Handle Structure for Ergonomic Grip With Less Material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cartons for carrying cylindrical articles are inefficient in material usage and do not provide a secure and ergonomic handle structure, leading to potential wastage and difficulty in handling.
Innovation Solution
A carton blank design featuring a handle structure defined by hingedly connected tabs and divergent fold lines, allowing for minimal material use while providing a secure grip and ergonomic handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional handle structures are used in cartons, then the cartons are easy to manufacture, but the handling and carrying comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The handle structure is segmented into multiple tabs (first tabs and second tabs) that are hingedly connected to the panel, allowing each tab to be independently formed from the blank. This segmentation enables the handle to be created without adding overall structural complexity to the carton design while providing ergonomic gripping surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle tabs are pre-formed as integral parts of the carton blank during the same manufacturing process. The divergent fold lines are pre-scored and the tabs are pre-positioned on the blank, so that when the carton is assembled, the handle structure is already in place and requires no additional manufacturing steps or assembly operations.
2Ease of operation
If more material is used to create robust handles, then the handling comfort improves, but the material waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tabs that form the handle structure serve dual functions: they provide the ergonomic gripping surface for the handle while simultaneously acting as structural reinforcement for the carton panel. The same tab material that creates the handle also strengthens the panel at the handle location, eliminating the need for additional material solely for handle purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle tabs are positioned and dimensioned to provide optimal grip security only where needed - at the handle location. The tabs extend in specific directions (divergent from the fold lines) to create comfortable gripping surfaces, while the rest of the carton uses minimal material. This localized application of material ensures grip security without unnecessary material waste throughout the entire carton.
3Loss of substance
If minimal material is used for the carton, then the material waste decreases, but the strength and stability of the carton deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The handle tabs are designed with hinge connections that allow dynamic movement and flexibility. The tabs can flex and adapt to the forces applied during handling, providing strength where needed while using minimal material. The dynamic hinge structure allows the tabs to absorb and distribute mechanical stresses without requiring excessive material thickness or rigidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The carton utilizes the paperboard material's inherent properties combined with the geometric configuration of the tabs and fold lines to achieve strength. The composite structure of folded layers and hinged connections creates a lightweight yet strong handle assembly that maintains carton integrity without adding significant material weight or waste.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to article carriers (90) for forming a package and blanks (10; 110; 210; 310) for forming the article carriers (90). The blank (10; 110; 210; 310) comprises at least one panel (12; 112; 212; 312) having at least four article receiving openings (RT1). The at least one panel (12; 112; 212; 312) comprises a handle feature. The at least article receiving openings (RT1) are arranged in two rows. The handle feature comprises at least one handle opening (Ha1, Ha2, Ha3) located at a centre (C) of the at least four article receiving openings (RT1). The at least one handle opening (Ha1, Ha2, Ha3) is defined at least in part by a pair of first tabs (16, 18; 140, 142; 216, 218; 340, 342, 370, 372, 374, 376) hingedly connected to the at least one panel (12; 112; 212; 312) by a pair of first divergent fold lines (17, 19; 141, 143; 341, 343, 373a, 373b, 375a, 375b) respectively. Each of the first tabs (16, 18; 140, 142; 216, 218; 340, 342, 370, 372, 374, 376) comprises a height dimension (H1) extending between the respective first fold line (17, 19; 141, 143; 341, 343, 373a, 373b, 375a, 375b) and a free end of that first tab (16, 18; 140, 142; 216, 218; 340, 342, 370, 372, 374, 376). The height dimension (H1) may be equal to or greater than a distance (He) between the centre (C) and each of the first fold lines (17, 19; 141, 143; 341, 343, 373a, 373b, 375a, 375b).