Multi-Panel Container Carrier for Stable Stacking and Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carriers for containers lack stability when stacking and do not provide efficient access to individual containers, while also failing to offer a robust and compact structure for holding and displaying multiple containers.
Innovation Solution
A carrier design comprising multiple panels, including central, attachment, side, and top panels, with reinforcement panels between attachment and top panels, allowing for secure attachment and display of containers, while enabling easy access and a compact structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a conventional carrier structure is used, then the carrier can hold multiple containers, but the carrier lacks stability when stacking and does not provide efficient access to individual containers
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is divided into multiple panels (front, back, left, right, top, bottom) that can be independently configured. The front and back panels are segmented with openings to receive container portions, while the top panel includes access features that allow consumers to easily access individual containers without destabilizing the entire stacked structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier panels are designed to nest together with the container portions received through openings in the front and back panels. The top panel access features are nested within the overall carrier structure, allowing container access while maintaining the external stability of the stacked carrier configuration.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a robust structure is created to hold and display multiple containers, then stability is improved, but the structure becomes less compact and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Each panel of the carrier serves multiple functions: the front and back panels provide both structural support and container receipt through their openings; the top panel provides both structural closure and consumer access through its access features; the left and right panels provide lateral support and connection points. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining robustness.
3Ease of operation
If access features are added to allow easy access to containers, then ease of operation is improved, but the carrier structure becomes less stable and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The access features are localized to the top panel only, where consumer interaction is most frequent. The front, back, left, and right panels maintain their full structural integrity with no openings or access features, preserving the overall stability of the stacked carrier. This localized approach to access features minimizes structural compromise while maximizing ease of operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A carrier for holding a plurality of containers includes a plurality of panels including at least one central panel, at least one attachment panel, at least one side panel, and at least one top panel, the at least one attachment panel configured receive a portion of one or more containers of the plurality of containers, and at least one reinforcement panel positioned between the at least one attachment panel and the at least one top panel. The at least one central panel is for being positioned between and attached to adjacent containers of the plurality of containers.