Carton Dispensing Configurations via Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cartons are inefficient in packaging and dispensing twelve or more cylindrical containers, as they do not provide sufficient access for easy removal of all containers simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A carton design that allows complete separation of sections into a dispensing configuration, with a dispenser pattern defining a dispenser section to facilitate easy access and removal of containers, featuring tear lines, hinge lines, and dispenser patterns for multiple dispensing configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the carton is designed as a single enclosed structure, then the carton maintains structural integrity and protection for articles, but the accessibility and ease of removal of all containers is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility to containersVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The carton is divided into multiple dispensable sections separated by tear lines, allowing the carton to be segmented into accessible portions while maintaining structural integrity of each section. Users can tear along the lines to access containers in one section without disturbing others, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the carton uses traditional tear lines and hinges only, then the structure is simple, but the ability to provide multiple dispensing configurations and complete separation is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispensing configurationsVSAvoidcarton structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The carton incorporates both static structural elements (panels, hinges) and dynamic elements (tear lines that can be breached, sections that can be completely separated). This allows the carton to transition from a closed structure to multiple dispensing configurations, providing adaptability without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

By dividing the carton into multiple independently dispensable sections with complete separation capability, the design achieves multiple dispensing configurations. Each section can be accessed and removed independently, enhancing versatility while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the carton sections are completely separated for dispensing, then the accessibility to all containers is improved, but the structural connection and stability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremoval of containersVSAvoidcarton section connection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The carton is designed with complete separation capability between sections, allowing each section to be completely removed for full accessibility. The segmentation is achieved through tear lines that enable clean separation while maintaining the stability and integrity of each individual section during its functional life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tear lines are pre-formed and positioned to guide the separation process. This preliminary preparation ensures that when sections need to be separated for dispensing, they can be cleanly divided without compromising the stability of the remaining structure, enabling easy removal while maintaining connection integrity when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2032463B1Carton having dispensing configurations
Publication Date: 2019.12.18 GRAPHIC PACKAGING INTERNATIONAL LLC
  • EP2032463B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2032463B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2032463B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A carton (150) can be placed in a dispensing configuration by separating the carton into carton sections. The carton sections may be connected by a hinge (68) that allows the carton sections to stand side-by-side. The container also comprises dispenser configurations (100,102).