Carton Reinforcing Insert for Structural Strength

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cartons for holding multiple containers lack sufficient strength, which can lead to structural failures during handling and storage.

Innovation Solution

A carton design incorporating a reinforcing insert and a carton blank with specific foldable features and adhesive elements to enhance structural integrity, including handles and a dispenser system, allowing for improved rigidity and secure container placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a reinforcing insert is added to the carton, then the strength and rigidity of the carton is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecarton strengthVSAvoidcarton structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcing insert is positioned inside the carton structure, with end flaps that extend beyond the carton walls to provide external reinforcement. The insert is nested within the carton blank and secured through adhesive application to the inner surface, creating a layered composite structure that enhances strength without significantly increasing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The carton combines two different materials: the carton blank (typically paperboard) and the reinforcing insert (providing additional structural support). This composite structure leverages the strengths of both materials to achieve superior carton strength and rigidity compared to a single-material construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If the carton structure is enhanced with additional flaps and inserts, then the reliability of container holding is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer holding reliabilityVSAvoidcarton manufacturing ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcing insert is pre-formed with end flaps and adhesive application areas before being integrated into the carton structure. The adhesive is applied to the inner surface of the carton blank in advance, allowing for precise positioning and secure attachment of the insert during the folding and assembly process, thereby improving holding reliability while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The enhanced carton design provides increased strength and rigidity, preventing tearing and improving the handling and storage of multiple containers by distributing stress more evenly and securely holding them in place.

Implementation Method 1

an adhesive element positioned on the inner surface of the carton blank for bonding the reinforcing insert to the carton blank

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP2470439B1Carton with insert
Publication Date: 2019.01.30 GRAPHIC PACKAGING INTERNATIONAL LLC
  • EP2470439B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2470439B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2470439B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A carton for holding a plurality of containers. The carton comprises panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the carton. The panels comprise a top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. At least two end flaps are respectively foldably attached to respective panels and are overlapped with respect to one another to at least partially form a closed end of the carton. A reinforcing insert comprises a central panel at least partially in contact with the top panel, at least one reinforcing end flap at least partially in contact with at least one of the end flaps, and at least one reinforcing side flap foldably connected to the central panel. The carton comprises a dispenser for allowing access to the articles in the carton. The dispenser comprises at least a portion of the top panel and the central panel.