Carrier for Containers With Segmented Retention Flaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carriers for holding and displaying containers lack efficient retention mechanisms and versatility in accommodating containers of different shapes and sizes, particularly for packaging food and beverage products.
Innovation Solution
A carrier design featuring foldable panels with a handle and retention flap system that allows for easy assembly and secure containment of multiple containers, accommodating various shapes and sizes through a method involving a blank with specific fold lines and locking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a retention mechanism is added to hold containers securely, then the reliability of container containment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention mechanism is segmented into multiple independent flaps (first retention flap, second retention flap, third retention flap) that can be positioned between different containers. Each flap independently engages with container surfaces to provide secure containment without requiring a complex integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention flaps are designed to be self-retaining through their geometric configuration and interaction with container surfaces. The flaps naturally position themselves between containers and engage with container surfaces (shoulders, bodies, or openings) without requiring additional fastening mechanisms, springs, or actuators.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the carrier is designed to accommodate various container shapes and sizes, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier panels are designed with fold lines that allow dynamic adjustment and reconfiguration. The retention flaps can be positioned at different locations between containers and engage with various container surfaces (shoulders, bodies, or openings), enabling the same carrier structure to adapt to different container shapes and sizes without requiring precision manufacturing for each specific container type.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention flaps serve multiple functions: they can engage with container shoulders, container bodies, or container openings depending on the container type. This multi-functionality allows a single carrier design to accommodate various container configurations without requiring precision-crafted custom features for each container variant.
3Ease of operation
If foldable panels with handle are added for easy carrying, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is merged with the existing top panel structure rather than being a separate component. The top panel incorporates a handle portion that integrates with the panel's geometric configuration, allowing the carrier to be carried without adding separate handles, fasteners, or structural elements that would increase device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A carrier for holding a plurality of containers. The carrier has at least one bottom panel, at least one top panel, a front panel, a back panel, and at least two side panels. The at least one top panel is foldably connected to one of the front panel and the back panel. The at least one top panel has a handle portion for forming a handle of the carrier and a retaining portion having container receiving openings for retaining the containers in the carrier. The carrier has a retention flap foldably connected to the top panel for retaining the carrier in an assembled position.