Edible Pulp Can Holder Flaps for Damage-Free Can Detachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing edible can holders made from biodegradable pulp paste are prone to damage during manual detachment of cans, lacking a stable point of support, which compromises their structure and maneuverability.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating fins or protrusions at the corners of the can holder, with a thickness less than the rest of the body, providing a point of support for easy manual detachment without damaging the structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual detachment of cans from the can holder is performed, then the cans can be removed for distribution, but the can holder structure is damaged or compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual detachment of cansVSAvoidstructural integrity of can holder

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The can holder is divided into distinct functional zones: a body portion for holding cans and a separate fin portion that acts as a sacrificial support element. The fin is segmented from the main body and positioned to bear the mechanical stress of detachment, protecting the integrated can-holding structure from damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fin acts as an intermediary element between the user's manual detachment action and the can holder's main structure. It provides a dedicated point of support that mediates the force application, allowing easy can removal while shielding the primary structural components from direct mechanical stress.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the can holder is made from biodegradable pulp paste, then it is environmentally friendly and compostable, but it lacks sufficient maneuverability and stability during handling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental sustainabilityVSAvoidmaneuverability during distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The can holder employs local quality differentiation where the fin portion has distinct geometric characteristics (protruding shape with specific surface area) compared to the main body. This localized structural variation enhances handling and maneuverability at critical interaction points while preserving the overall biodegradable material composition and environmental benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If the can holder structure is simplified for easy manufacturing, then production efficiency increases, but the holder becomes vulnerable to damage during can detachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidresistance to damage during detachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fin structure is pre-formed as an integrated part of the can holder during the molding process, before the detachment operation occurs. This preliminary structural preparation ensures that the support element is already in position to protect the main body, eliminating the need for post-manufacturing assembly steps while maintaining damage resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12545486B2Edible can holder with flaps

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 E6PR S A P I DE CV

AI summary

The utility model of the present invention relates to a modification in the configuration and structure of a can holder (10) produced from a biodegradable pulp paste, recycled, 100% biological, compostable and edible. This modification refers to a fin (13), protrusion, flange, tapered region or tongue of a thickness (E) between 0.75 mm. to 1.8 mm and whose radial (R1), in its widest region, is 20 mm of radius, placed in each of the corners of the can holder (10).