Carrier Retaining Features for Beverage Container Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carton designs for holding and dispensing beverage containers are not reliable in securely retaining the containers, particularly at the top portion, leading to potential instability and leakage.
Innovation Solution
A carrier design featuring foldable panels with retaining features, such as retention flaps and pinching portions, that securely engage the top portion of containers, ensuring they are retained within the carrier, and a method of forming this carrier using a blank with specific foldable panels and features to create a stable package.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing carton designs are used to hold beverage containers, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the reliability of securely retaining containers is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is divided into multiple functional panels (bottom panel, side panels, top panels) with distinct retaining features. Each panel performs a specific function: bottom panel provides support, side panels with retaining features secure containers laterally, and top panels provide closure. This segmentation allows reliable container retention while maintaining manufacturability through standardized panel configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier blank is pre-configured with fold lines, score lines, and retaining features during manufacturing. When assembled, these pre-formed features automatically engage with container portions (rims, bodies, or closures) to provide secure retention. The preliminary formation of retaining flaps and pinching portions ensures reliable container securing without requiring complex assembly operations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If simple retaining features are used in the carrier, then the manufacturing is easier, but the container stability and leakage prevention are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier employs different retaining feature configurations at different locations: side panels have retaining features that engage container rims or bodies, while top panels have closure features that seal container openings. Each local feature is optimized for its specific function, providing enhanced container stability and leakage prevention through targeted structural qualities rather than uniform design throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining features incorporate curved or pinching portions that conform to the cylindrical shape of beverage containers. These curved features engage container rims and bodies more effectively, providing enhanced lateral support and stability. The curvature allows simple manufacturing through die-cutting while achieving reliable container securing that prevents leakage.
3Reliability
If the carrier uses multiple foldable panels for secure closure, then the container retention is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple panels (bottom, side panels, top panels) are merged into a single integrated carrier blank with pre-formed fold lines. When assembled, these panels work together as a unified structure to secure containers reliably. The merging of multiple functional elements into one manufacturable blank simplifies production while maintaining the reliability benefits of multi-panel construction for container retention and closure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A package comprising a carrier holding at least one container. The carrier can comprise a bottom panel, first and second inner side panels foldably connected to the bottom panel, first and second outer side panels foldably connected to the respective first and second inner side panels, and first and second top panels foldably connected to the respective first and second outer side panels. At least one container-receiving feature can comprise a first retaining feature extending in at least the first inner side panel and an opposing second retaining feature extending in at least the second inner side panel. A top portion of the at least one container can be at least partially retained by the first and second retaining features. The bottom panel can be at least partially disposed between the top portion of the at least one container and at least one of the first and second top panels.