Carton Handle Panel and Flap System for Structural Integrity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing carton designs with handles lack efficient integration of article-receiving features and structural integrity at the ends, making them less effective for carrying and storing containers of varying shapes and sizes.

Innovation Solution

A carton design featuring a handle formed by a handle panel and flap system that includes article-receiving features, allowing the handle to be securely integrated with the carton's end flaps while maintaining the structural integrity of the closed ends, accommodating containers of different shapes and sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If article-receiving features are added to the handle, then the handle can accommodate containers of varying shapes and sizes, but the structural integrity at the ends may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandle adaptabilityVSAvoidend structural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is divided into separate components: a handle panel with article-receiving features and a handle flap that is foldably connected to the end flap. This segmentation allows the article-receiving features to be integrated without compromising the structural integrity of the closed ends, as the handle flap can be properly engaged to maintain strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The handle flap is positioned within the folded configuration of the end flap, creating a nested structure. The handle flap is circumscribed by the remainder of the end flap when folded, allowing the handle features to be nested within the protective envelope of the closed end structure, thereby maintaining both adaptability and structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If the handle flap is integrated into the end flap, then the handle can be securely attached, but the handling mechanism may become complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandle attachment securityVSAvoidhandle structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handle flap is merged with the end flap through foldable connection, creating an integrated structure where the handle is securely attached to the carton end. This merging provides reliable attachment while maintaining relative simplicity compared to separate fastening mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The handle flap is configured to be foldable relative to the end flap, allowing the handle structure to dynamically adjust between different states (folded and extended). This dynamic configuration enables secure attachment while simplifying the overall structure by using the existing end flap geometry rather than adding rigid, complex support structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2593380B1Carton with handle
Publication Date: 2018.12.26 GRAPHIC PACKAGING INTERNATIONAL LLC
  • EP2593380B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2593380B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2593380B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A carton for containing a plurality of articles. The carton can comprise a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels can comprise an inner top panel and an outer top panel that at least partially overlaps the inner top panel. An outer end flap can be foldably connected to the outer top panel at an upper corner of the carton, and the outer end flap can at least partially close an end of the carton. A handle can comprise a handle panel defined in at least the inner top panel and a handle flap defined in the outer end flap. The handle panel can be mounted to the handle flap so that a portion of the handle panel is covered by the upper corner.