Container Carrier Reinforcement Tabs for Tear-Resistant Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing paperboard carriers for containers fail strength tests when subjected to normal use conditions, such as lifting and sudden stopping, leading to tearing and damage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of reinforcement tabs made from materials like paperboard, plastics, and metals into the carrier structure to enhance its strength and durability, particularly around container holding openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If reinforcement tabs are added to the carrier structure, then the strength and durability of the carrier is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies reinforcement tabs specifically at critical stress points (openings where containers are held) rather than uniformly across the entire carrier. This localized reinforcement approach increases strength where needed while minimizing added complexity and material usage in non-critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement tabs are constructed from composite materials including paperboard, plastics, and metals, combining the properties of different materials to achieve optimal strength-to-weight ratio and durability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Strength
If the carrier is made from thicker or more robust material, then the strength and resistance to tearing is improved, but the weight of the carrier increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using uniformly thick or robust material throughout the carrier, the patent employs reinforcement tabs made from various materials (including metals and plastics) only at specific high-stress locations such as around container openings, achieving tear resistance where needed while keeping the overall carrier lightweight.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier utilizes composite construction with different materials strategically placed: lighter paperboard for the main body and heavier or more durable materials (plastics, metals) for reinforcement tabs, optimizing the strength-to-weight ratio by combining material properties rather than using a single heavy material throughout.
Data Source
AI summary
A carrier for holding one or more containers includes a front portion having a front attachment panel comprising one or more openings for at least partially receiving a respective container of the one or more containers and at least one reinforcement tab that extends at least partially around a respective one of the one or more openings for reinforcing the carrier.