Carrier for Containers with Interlocking Divider Flaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing basket-style carriers for containers lack effective locking mechanisms to securely hold and display containers of various shapes, leading to instability and potential movement during transportation and storage.
Innovation Solution
A carrier design featuring a plurality of panels with male and female locking features, including divider flaps and locking tab projections, which engage to lock the divider flaps in a perpendicular position, providing secure and stable container holding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional basket-style carriers without locking mechanisms are used, then the device complexity is low, but the stability and reliability of container holding is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into separate male locking features on the first bottom panel and female locking features on the second bottom panel, allowing independent positioning and engagement of each locking pair to stabilize containers independently
Solution Approach 2:
Divider flaps act as intermediary elements that extend from the central panel to the front or back panels, physically blocking container movement and distributing lateral forces across the carrier structure when containers are loaded
2Adaptability or versatility
If divider flaps are added to divide container spaces, then the adaptability for various container shapes is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The divider flaps serve multiple functions: they divide container receiving spaces for different container shapes, provide additional structural support when engaged with locking features, and can be positioned flexibly to accommodate various container configurations within the same carrier
Solution Approach 2:
The divider flaps are merged with the panel structure through foldable connections to the central panel, allowing them to be integrated into the carrier body while maintaining the ability to move and adjust for different container arrangements
3Stability of the object's composition
If male and female locking features are implemented, then the dimensional stability and stiffness are improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking features are positioned at specific locations on the bottom panels where they engage with corresponding features on adjacent panels, creating localized high-strength connection points that provide overall structural stability without requiring uniform precision throughout the entire carrier structure
Solution Approach 2:
The male locking feature on one panel nests into the female locking feature on the adjacent panel, creating a interlocking relationship that maintains dimensional stability through self-aligning engagement rather than requiring pre-positioned holes or complex fastening mechanisms
4Reliability
If the carrier is designed to maintain erected condition when empty, then the stability during transportation is improved, but the weight of the carrier increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking features and divider flaps are pre-configured in the panel structure to automatically engage and maintain the erected condition when the carrier is assembled, providing inherent stability without requiring additional support structures or increasing carrier weight
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier structure serves itself by using the interlocking locking features and positioned divider flaps to automatically maintain its erected condition during transportation, eliminating the need for external support or additional stabilizing components that would increase weight
Data Source
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AI summary
A carrier for holding at least one container includes a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior space of the carrier and including a front panel a back panel, at least one side panel, a first bottom panel, a second bottom panel, and at least one central panel. At least one divider flap extends from the at least one central panel to at least one of the front panel and the back panel. The first bottom panel includes at least one male locking feature and the second bottom panel includes at least one female locking feature for receiving the at least one male locking feature. The at least one male locking feature engages the at least one divider flap to lock the at least one divider flap in a generally perpendicular position relative to the central panel.