Continuous Container-Carrier Reel Packaging for Tangle-Free Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for storing and dispensing container carriers result in inefficient packing, tangling, and require complex equipment, limiting the size and efficiency of storage and application processes.
Innovation Solution
A package of container carriers is constructed with reels spliced together in a continuous manner, using a carton with dividers and a powered feed system to ensure uninterrupted dispensing and prevent tangling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If container carriers are stored on traditional reels, then they can be accumulated and transported, but the reels require complex splicing operations and occupy excessive space during storage and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous string of container carriers is divided into multiple segments that are wound onto individual reels. These reels are then arranged in a linear configuration within the carton, with each reel containing a portion of the total carrier string. This segmentation allows for easier storage and transport while maintaining the ability to dispense carriers continuously through the splicing of individual reel ends.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple reels are nested within a single carton package, with reels arranged in a linear configuration that maximizes space utilization. The reels are positioned to minimize wasted space between them, creating an efficient storage structure that can be easily transported and stored without requiring complex splicing operations.
2Volume of moving object
If container carriers are fan folded into boxes, then storage space is reduced, but the packing efficiency decreases and tangling occurs during unwinding
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of fan folding the continuous carrier string into a compact but inefficient package, the string is segmented into multiple reels that are wound in a controlled manner. This segmentation allows the carriers to be stored in a linear arrangement within the carton, maintaining packing efficiency while reducing the volume required for storage and transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The container carriers are pre-wound onto reels in a controlled manner before being placed in the carton. This preliminary action ensures that the carriers are arranged in an organized fashion that prevents tangling during unwinding and maintains packing efficiency. The reels are prepared in advance to minimize wasted space and maximize storage capacity.
3Productivity
If traditional reel methods are used, then continuous dispensing is possible, but the equipment must accommodate inertia and backlash during unwinding
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous carrier string is divided into multiple manageable segments on individual reels, which reduces the inertia and backlash problems associated with unwinding large amounts of material at once. Each reel can be unwound independently, allowing for more controlled dispensing that requires less complex equipment to accommodate the mechanical challenges of material handling.
Data Source
AI summary
A generally continuous string of container carriers are positioned on a base (35) wherein container carriers are housed on multiple reels (40) and are spliced together between adjacent reels to form the generally continuous string and the multiple reels are arranged on at least one axle (55) for dispensing.