Divisible Flexible Carrier for Multi-Container Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional container carriers lack flexibility for merchandisers to accommodate smaller package sizes, leading to unstable and re-priced multi-packages, and existing solutions like cutting or re-packaging are time-consuming and result in improper labeling.
Innovation Solution
A flexible carrier with triangular container apertures, longitudinal rows, and a series of short and long perforations for easy separation into sub-carriers, along with integrated handles and panels for labeling, allowing for customizable packaging of various container quantities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional multi-packages are used with fixed sizes (6 packs, 12 packs), then the packaging structure is stable and easy to manufacture, but the merchandiser cannot accommodate smaller package sizes or customize packaging quantities
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible carrier is designed with a longitudinal line of container apertures that can be separated transversely into multiple sub-carriers (e.g., two 3-packs from one 6-pack carrier). This segmentation allows the same carrier structure to serve multiple package sizes and configurations, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If merchandisers use utility knives to cut multi-packages into smaller sub-packages, then smaller package sizes can be achieved, but the resulting packages are unstable and lack effective handles
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier includes pre-formed perforations along the longitudinal line between container apertures that guide and enable clean separation into sub-carriers. These pre-prepared separation lines ensure that when divided, each sub-carrier maintains structural integrity, stability, and proper handle formation, eliminating the instability caused by ad-hoc cutting.
3Adaptability or versatility
If merchandisers re-package containers on premises according to demand, then customized package sizes can be created, but the process is time-consuming and results in unstable and inconsistent multi-packages
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible carrier is designed with pre-formed perforations and container apertures that enable rapid separation into various sub-package configurations without time-consuming manual assembly. The pre-structured design allows merchandisers to quickly divide carriers according to demand while maintaining consistent, stable packages, thus improving productivity compared to traditional re-packing methods.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multi-packages are re-packaged into smaller sizes, then smaller package quantities can be provided, but the bar codes and pricing symbols reflect the original larger package price resulting in improper scans and incorrect labeling
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier design includes separate panel areas on each sub-carrier that can be independently labeled with appropriate pricing and bar code information for the specific sub-package size. This segmentation of labeling areas ensures that each divided package can display correct pricing information corresponding to its actual size, preventing scanning errors and pricing discrepancies.
5Productivity
If applicating machines are designed for large multi-packages (8 or 12 containers), then the equipment can handle larger volumes, but the equipment cannot accommodate smaller multi-packages needed by merchandisers
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible carrier design with standardized container apertures and separation lines allows a single applicating machine configuration to produce multiple package sizes (e.g., 6-packs, 4-packs, 3-packs, 2-packs) by simply adjusting the separation point. This universal design enables equipment to handle both large and small multi-packages, resolving the contradiction between throughput efficiency and package size adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A flexible carrier (10) for carrying a plurality of containers includes a flexible sheet having two rows of container apertures (25) formed therein. The plurality of containers (5) are each placed into a respective container receiving aperture and are thus unitized in a package. The flexible carrier further includes two panels (60) and two handles (50), each panel or handle formed at a periphery of the flexible sheet along each longitudinal edge 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, each unitizing a set of containers and each including a panel and/or a handle along a respective longitudinal edge of the resulting sub-carrier.