Carton with intermediate panel and foldable struts for container stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carton designs for accommodating containers are not sufficiently flexible and may not securely engage upper portions of containers, particularly limiting their application in various packaging technologies and requiring loading from the top.
Innovation Solution
A package design featuring a top panel, side panels, a bottom panel with top-receiving cut patterns, an intermediate panel with apertures and curved edges, and foldable struts that stabilize containers by engaging their upper portions and rims, allowing for secure and flexible accommodation of multiple containers in different arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If containers are engaged by known carton designs, then the containers can be accommodated, but the engagement is not sufficient and containers may shift or become dislodged
Solution Approach 1:
The carton employs movable flaps that can dynamically adjust to engage container rims. The flaps are designed to flex and conform to the container geometry, providing secure engagement while maintaining structural simplicity. This dynamic adaptation allows reliable container retention without requiring complex fixed structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement mechanism utilizes changes in flap position and configuration to secure containers. The flaps can be positioned in different states (open, closed, engaged) to adapt to various container sizes and types, providing reliable engagement through parameter adjustment rather than complex structural design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cartons are designed with top-loading only, then container engagement is simplified, but flexibility in packaging line application is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The carton design incorporates multiple opening mechanisms that enable both top-loading and side-loading operations. The flaps can be configured to open from the top or from the sides, making the carton versatile for different packaging line requirements while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized flap mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible flap design allows the carton to adapt its opening configuration dynamically. The same structural elements can facilitate different loading directions depending on how they are actuated, providing packaging line flexibility without complicating the loading operation through multiple specialized structures.
3Reliability
If standard carton designs are used, then manufacturing is simple, but the cartons cannot securely engage upper portions of various container configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement mechanism utilizes changes in flap position and configuration to secure containers. The flaps can be positioned in different states (open, closed, engaged) to adapt to various container sizes and types, providing reliable engagement through parameter adjustment rather than complex structural design.
4Productivity
If containers are arranged in fixed patterns, then packaging efficiency is optimized, but adaptability to different container sizes and configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible flap design allows the carton to adapt its engagement configuration dynamically. The same structural elements can accommodate different container arrangements by adjusting flap positions and orientations, maintaining packaging efficiency while providing flexibility for various container configurations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A package is formed from a carton (100) and containers (120) extending through a bottom panel (50) of the carton. The carton also includes a top panel (20), and an intermediate panel (80) located between the top and bottom panels. The intermediate panel acts to stabilize the containers within the carton.