Divisible Flexible Carrier for Multi-Container Packages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional container carriers lack flexibility, making it difficult for smaller merchandisers to offer multiple package sizes, leading to unstable and incorrectly priced sub-packages when cut or re-packaged, resulting in improper scanning and labeling.
Innovation Solution
A flexible carrier with divisible container apertures and integrated handles, allowing retailers to separate packages along a line of weakness, creating self-contained sub-packages with accurate labeling for correct scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional multi-packages are used, then packaging stability is maintained, but merchandising flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible carrier is divided into multiple sub-carriers along pre-formed separation lines, allowing the package to be segmented into different sizes (e.g., 6-packs, 12-packs) while maintaining structural stability in each configuration. Each sub-carrier remains a stable, self-contained unit with proper handling capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The package structure transitions from a fixed, static configuration to a dynamic, adaptable form. The carrier can be separated into different configurations based on demand, enabling the same physical structure to serve multiple merchandising needs while maintaining stability in each state.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multi-packages are cut into smaller sub-packages, then package size flexibility is improved, but package stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier incorporates pre-formed separation lines that guide clean division into stable sub-packages. Each sub-package maintains its structural integrity and handling capability through integrated handles, eliminating the instability caused by ad-hoc cutting.
Solution Approach 2:
Separation lines and handles are pre-positioned during manufacturing to ensure that when division occurs, each resulting sub-package is immediately stable and self-contained, eliminating the need for post-cutting stabilization efforts.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multi-packages are re-packaged on premises, then package size adaptability is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is pre-configured with separation lines and discrete handles at manufacturing, allowing rapid on-site division without requiring complex re-packaging procedures. This preliminary preparation dramatically reduces the time needed to create different package sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The package structure itself provides the means for its own efficient division through built-in separation lines and handles, eliminating the need for external tools or complex procedures. The system serves its own reconfiguration needs through its inherent design features.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional carriers are divided, then package size flexibility is improved, but labeling accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is designed with discrete labeling areas associated with each sub-carrier section. When separated along the pre-formed lines, each sub-package retains its own accurate labeling, ensuring proper scanning and pricing without cross-contamination or misalignment issues.
Solution Approach 2:
Labels are pre-positioned on the flexible carrier in association with specific sub-carrier sections before division occurs. This preliminary placement ensures that when the package is divided, each sub-package has its correct labeling already in place, eliminating labeling errors.
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible carrier for carrying a plurality of containers includes a flexible sheet having two or more rows and multiple ranks of container apertures 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 a plurality of handles corresponding with the multiple ranks, each handle formed at a periphery of the flexible sheet and a line of weakness formed between the transverse ranks. As a result of the described configuration, the flexible carrier is divisible into multiple sub-carriers, each unitizing a set of containers and each including a handle along a respective transverse edge of the resulting sub-carrier.