Article Carrier Blanks With Variable-Resistance Retention Tabs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cartons for cylindrical articles face challenges in providing minimalistic appearance, improved article retention, and reduced deformation while maintaining structural integrity and ease of handling.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a main panel with article receiving apertures and annular series of tabs with varying fold resistances, including higher resistance in central regions and lower resistance in peripheral regions, along with hinged connections and T-cuts to enhance folding and retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If tabs with uniform folding resistance are used throughout the main panel, then the structure is simple to manufacture, but folding efficiency is poor and deformation occurs in exterior regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different folding resistances to different regions of the tabs. Interior tabs have higher folding resistance while exterior tabs have lower folding resistance. This local differentiation enables efficient folding in exterior regions without compromising the structural integrity of interior regions, directly resolving the contradiction between manufacturing uniformity and folding efficiency.
2Strength
If exterior tabs have high folding resistance, then structural integrity is maintained, but folding becomes difficult and deformation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent differentiates folding resistance by location: exterior tabs are designed with lower folding resistance to enable easy folding and prevent deformation, while interior tabs maintain higher folding resistance to preserve structural integrity. This local quality variation allows the carton to be folded easily at exterior regions without compromising overall strength.
3Loss of substance
If minimal material is used to reduce cost and waste, then environmental consideration is improved, but strength and article retention may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the folding resistance parameter of tabs based on their location and function. By adjusting the folding resistance (through variations in tab dimensions, material thickness, or structural configuration) rather than uniformly increasing material throughout, the carton achieves sufficient strength for article retention while minimizing overall material usage.
4Ease of manufacture
If uniform tab dimensions are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but folding performance and article retention are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs tabs with different dimensions and folding resistances in different locations. Exterior tabs have smaller dimensions and lower folding resistance for easy folding and deformation prevention, while interior tabs have larger dimensions and higher folding resistance for robust article retention. This local differentiation enhances reliability without significantly complicating manufacturing.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to article carriers (90) for forming a package and blanks (10; 110; 210; 310; 410; 510) for forming the article carriers (90). The blank (10; 110; 210; 310; 410; 510) comprises at least one panel (12) having at least one article engaging structure (RT1, RT2). The at least one article engaging structure (RT1, RT2) comprises an article receiving aperture (AP) and an annular series of tabs (14A, 14B, 14C, 14D) formed around the article receiving aperture (AP). The annular series of tabs (14A, 14B, 14C, 14D) is defined at least in part by plurality of radial cut lines (15A, 15B). The annular series of tabs (14A, 14B, 14C, 14D) is defined at least in part by plurality of circumferential cut lines (9A, 9B, 11). The annular series of tabs (14A, 14B, 14C, 14D) comprises at least one first tab (14A) having a first folding resistance and at least one second tab (14B, 14C, 14D) having a second folding resistance, the second fold resistance being lower than the first fold resistance.