Multi-Panel Container Carrier for Stable Stacking and Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carriers for containers lack efficient and stable structures for holding and transporting multiple containers of varying shapes, particularly bottles and cans, without compromising on stacking stability and ease of handling.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an upper and lower construct formed from blanks with container retention features and panels that securely hold containers, allowing for multi-ply support and tear resistance, with optional handle integration for enhanced grip and stacking capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple carrier structure is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but container retention stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is divided into multiple panels (front panel, back panel, side panels) that can be independently formed and assembled. Each panel contains specific container retention features tailored to its location, allowing the structure to be both manufacturable from flat blanks and stable when assembled to hold containers securely.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple container retention features are integrated within each panel structure, with features nested at different levels and depths. The panels themselves are nested within the overall carrier framework, creating a hierarchical structure that provides stable container retention while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple container retention features are added to each panel, then container holding capability is improved, but panel complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each panel is designed as a multi-functional unit that simultaneously provides structural support, contains multiple container retention features for different container sizes and shapes, and maintains structural integrity. The panels serve multiple purposes: they form the carrier framework, provide container retention, and can be assembled in various configurations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If panels extend around the interior for receiving containers, then stacking stability is improved, but vertical profile increases
Solution Approach 1:
The panels extend around the interior in a three-dimensional configuration rather than simply adding vertical height. The side panels and front/back panels create a enclosed structure that provides stacking stability through lateral support and interlocking geometries, while minimizing the overall vertical profile by utilizing horizontal and angular dimensions.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for holding a plurality of containers includes an upper construct having a plurality of panels, each panel of the plurality of panels comprising a plurality of container retention features for at least partially receiving a respective container of the plurality of containers, and a lower construct, the lower having a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the lower construct for at least partially receiving the plurality of containers.