Carrier Locking Mechanism for Beverage Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carriers for holding and dispensing food and beverage containers lack effective locking mechanisms to securely interlock bottom panels, leading to potential instability and container displacement.
Innovation Solution
A carrier design featuring a first bottom panel with female locking features, including a locking flap with a retention tab, and a second bottom panel with male locking features, such as retention cuts defining a retention flap, which engage to securely lock the panels together, preventing container movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple bottom panel structure is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stability and reliability of the carrier deteriorates due to insufficient locking mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom panels are divided into male and female locking features with distinct functional elements (locking flaps, retention tabs, retention cuts) that segment the locking function into interlocking components, providing reliable connection without requiring complex overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The retention tab is nested within the retention cut, creating a interlocking feature where one element fits into another. This nested arrangement provides secure locking while maintaining simplicity in the overall carrier design
2Device complexity
If no retention feature is provided, then the device complexity is reduced, but the containers may become displaced due to insufficient containment
Solution Approach 1:
Retention features (retention tabs and retention cuts) are provided at specific local positions on the locking flaps and male locking features, rather than throughout the entire structure. This localized approach prevents container displacement only where needed while keeping the overall design simple
Solution Approach 2:
The retention features work automatically as part of the locking mechanism - when the carrier is assembled, the retention tabs engage with the retention cuts without requiring additional components or actions, providing self-contained container containment
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2A~3
AI summary
A carrier for holding a plurality of articles. The carrier comprises a plurality of panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels comprises a first bottom panel and a second bottom panel. At least one locking feature comprises a female locking feature in the first bottom panel and a male locking feature in the second bottom panel. The female locking feature comprises a locking flap, and the male locking feature comprises a retention feature. At least a portion of the male locking feature engages the female locking feature, and at least a portion of the locking flap at least partially engages the retention feature.