Container Carrier With Segmented Divider Flaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carriers for holding containers lack efficient configurations for accommodating various shapes and sizes, and do not provide optimal access paths for forming and loading processes.
Innovation Solution
A carrier design featuring a blank with multiple panels, including a front panel, back panel, central panel, side panels, and bottom panel, with foldable divider flaps and notches that allow for the formation of access paths and efficient folding to create container-receiving spaces, enabling the carrier to accommodate different shapes and sizes of containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a carrier uses a conventional configuration with solid panels, then structural strength is maintained, but access to interior components and containers is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The front panel is segmented into multiple sections: a fixed upper portion and a lower portion that can be moved or removed. This segmentation allows access to the interior while maintaining the structural integrity of the upper section. The divider panels are also segmented to allow selective access to different container compartments.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier incorporates dynamic elements including removable divider panels and movable front panel portions. These dynamic features allow the carrier to transition between a closed protective state and an open accessible state, enabling easy access to containers and interior components without compromising structural strength when closed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a carrier is designed to hold containers of various shapes and sizes, then versatility is improved, but structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The interior is divided into multiple compartments by divider panels that can be independently adjusted or removed. This segmentation allows flexible accommodation of different container sizes and shapes within each compartment while maintaining the overall structural stability of the carrier framework.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the carrier have specialized features: the base provides stable support, the divider panels create localized compartments for specific container types, and the front panel allows selective access. Each local area is optimized for its specific function while contributing to overall structural integrity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a carrier includes multiple divider panels and flaps, then container organization is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The divider panels serve multiple functions: they organize containers into compartments, provide structural support, and can be removed or reconfigured for different loading patterns. The flaps serve both protective coverage and access functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying manufacturing despite the complex organization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional elements are merged into single components: divider panels combine organizational and structural support functions, while flaps integrate protective coverage with access mechanisms. This merging reduces the total number of separate parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, easing fabrication complexity.
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 of the carrier, the plurality of panels includes a front panel, a back panel, at least one central panel, at least one side panel, and at least one bottom panel. At least one divider flap is foldably connected to one of the front panel and the back panel, the at least one divider flap folded away from the one of the front panel and the back panel to form at least one opening in the one of the front panel and the back panel, the at least one divider flap extends through the interior of the carrier to the at least one central panel.