Convertible Beverage Carton With Hinged Sub-Cartons
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional secondary packaging cartons for beverages lack versatility in storage and dispensing configurations, particularly for refrigerator storage, as they are not easily adaptable for optimal use on both main and door shelves.
Innovation Solution
A convertible secondary packaging carton design featuring hinged sub-cartons and tear-away corners that allow the carton to be oriented in two dispensing configurations: one for main refrigerator shelves and another for door shelves, ensuring efficient storage and dispensing of beverage containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the carton is designed for upright transport and main shelf storage, then it maintains structural stability and ease of handling, but it cannot be effectively used on door shelves with limited depth
Solution Approach 1:
The carton is divided into two separate sub-cartons that can be fanned apart. Each sub-carton can be independently positioned to create different storage configurations. This segmentation allows the carton to adapt to both main shelf (closed) and door shelf (fanned open) storage locations without requiring a completely different carton design.
Solution Approach 2:
The carton incorporates a hinge mechanism that allows the sub-cartons to dynamically change their relative positions. The hinge enables transition between a closed configuration for main shelf storage and a fanned-open configuration for door shelf storage, providing adaptability while maintaining structural integrity through the articulated connection.
2Ease of operation
If the carton is designed with a fixed closed structure, then it provides stable transport and storage, but it does not allow easy access to beverage containers on door shelves
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism enables the carton to dynamically transition between closed and fanned-open states. When fanned open on a door shelf, the sub-cartons spread apart to create accessible openings, allowing easy retrieval of beverage containers while maintaining structural integrity through the articulated hinge connection that preserves overall carton stability.
3Productivity
If the carton is designed for single-configuraton storage, then it simplifies manufacturing and structure, but it creates wasted space when used in the wrong refrigerator shelf type
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the carton into two fannable sub-cartons, the design enables the carton to adapt to different storage spaces. When fanned open on door shelves, the sub-cartons utilize the available vertical and horizontal space more effectively. This segmentation allows optimal space utilization across different refrigerator configurations without significantly complicating the manufacturing process, as each sub-carton uses standard carton construction.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the carton maintains a closed structure for transport, then it protects beverage containers, but it cannot be easily converted for door shelf dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The carton is segmented into two sub-cartons connected by a hinge, allowing the structure to be fanned open for door shelf dispensing while maintaining a closed protective structure during transport. This segmentation provides the adaptability to transition between configurations without requiring complex mechanisms, as the hinge is a simple articulated connection that naturally enables the folding motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism provides dynamic convertibility between the closed transport configuration and the fanned-open dispensing configuration. The articulated connection allows smooth transition between states while maintaining structural integrity, enabling the carton to adapt to different uses without requiring complex locking or fastening mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure includes a carton for containers, including a bottom panel with a hinge, a top panel, a front panel, a back panel, and first and second opposed end panels. The disclosure also includes a blank for the carton. The carton is configurable in different storage and dispensing configurations.