Divisible Flexible Carrier for Multi-Container Packages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional container carriers lack flexibility for merchandisers to offer smaller package options, leading to unstable and re-priced multi-packages when attempting to split larger units, causing issues with consumer purchasing and inventory management.
Innovation Solution
A flexible carrier with divisible container apertures and integrated handles, featuring a line of weakness for separation into sub-carriers, ensuring stable and correctly labeled packages for efficient scanning and handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional multi-packages are cut into smaller sub-packages using a utility knife, then smaller package options become available, but the resulting packages become unstable and lack effective handles
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible carrier is designed with a line of weakness that allows it to be divided into multiple sub-carriers, each capable of independently holding containers. This segmentation enables the creation of smaller package options while maintaining structural integrity through the original flexible carrier design, rather than manually cutting unstable packages.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional multi-packages are re-packaged on premises according to demand, then smaller package options become available, but the process is time consuming and results in unstable and inconsistent multi-packages
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible carrier is pre-designed with lines of weakness and discrete handle positions that enable easy division into standardized sub-carriers. This preliminary preparation allows retailers to quickly divide packages into smaller units without time-consuming manual re-packaging, as the division process simply requires separating along the pre-marked lines.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional multi-packages are cut or re-packaged, then smaller package options become available, but the multi-packages must be re-priced resulting in improper scans and incorrect labeling
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible carrier design creates discrete sub-carriers that can be independently priced and labeled. Each sub-carrier represents a complete, stable package unit with its own handling characteristics, allowing for accurate pricing information to be assigned without the confusion of manually divided packages.
4Device complexity
If a single large multi-package is used, then inventory capabilities are simplified, but the consumer cannot purchase smaller packages
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible carrier system allows dynamic adjustment of package sizes by dividing the original carrier into different numbers and configurations of sub-carriers. This enables retailers to maintain simplified inventory management with fewer stock-keeping units while still offering consumers various package size options through easy division of the flexible carriers.
Data Source
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AI summary
A flexible carrier (10) for carrying a plurality of containers includes a flexible sheet (20") having two rows of container apertures (25) formed therein. The plurality of containers are each placed into a respective container receiving aperture and are thus unitized in a package. The flexible carrier further includes two handles (30) , each handle formed at a periphery of the flexible sheet along each longitudinal edge (40) of the flexible sheet and a line of weakness (55) formed between the longitudinal rows. As a result of the described configuration, flexible carrier is divisible into two sub-carriers (15) , each unitizing a set of containers and each including a handle along a respective longitudinal edge of the resulting sub-carrier.