Can Carrier Applicator for Slim and Classic Can Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing applicator systems fail to effectively attach cardboard carriers with central upper covers over beverage cans, particularly for slim and classic cans, due to differing rim distances and the need for secure, wide transition portions, and lack the ability to form packages of varying can quantities.
Innovation Solution
An applicator system comprising a top applicator with multilobular recesses and a lower confining component that ensures proper can spacing and alignment, allowing for secure attachment of carriers with central upper covers, suitable for both slim and classic cans, and enabling formation of packages with different can counts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional applicator systems are used to attach cardboard carriers to beverage cans, then the attachment process is simple, but they fail to securely attach carriers with central upper covers over slim and classic cans due to differing rim distances
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator system incorporates adjustable components that can dynamically adapt to different can types (slim and classic cans). The applicator head includes adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow the distance between can engagement points to be modified, enabling secure attachment of carriers with central upper covers across varying rim distances of different can formats.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables parameter changes by allowing adjustment of the applicator's geometric parameters (distance between engagement points, pressure distribution) to match the specific dimensions of slim or classic cans. This parameter adaptability ensures reliable attachment security while accommodating the versatility needed for different can types.
2Area of stationary object
If carriers with central upper covers are used to provide continuous advertising surfaces, then the advertising area is increased, but the attachment becomes more complex due to the need for wide transition portions
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator system performs preliminary positioning and alignment actions before final carrier attachment. The system pre-configures the carrier placement geometry to ensure proper alignment of the central upper cover and transition portions, simplifying the overall attachment process while maintaining the large advertising surface area provided by the continuous carrier design.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed applicator configurations are used, then the device is simple to manufacture, but it cannot accommodate packages with varying can quantities and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator system is divided into modular, segmented components that can be independently adjusted or reconfigured. This segmentation allows the system to maintain manufacturing simplicity while enabling adaptability to different package configurations (varying can quantities and sizes) through modular adjustment mechanisms rather than requiring completely different applicator designs.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to an applicator system for coupling at least one carrier to the top of a confined set of drinking cans to form one or more packages of cans simultaneously, which allows the controlled deformation of carriers of the type having a substantially horizontal upper central area arranged above the upper face of the cans, and the assembly of packages of traditional cans and packages of slim cans.