Fiber-Based Beverage Yoke Design for Wet Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber-based technologies are not well-suited for beverage yokes due to high stress concentrations around carrying holes and rapid degradation when wet, making them uncomfortable to use and ineffective for retaining containers.
Innovation Solution
The development of geometric designs with optimized thickness dimensions and vacuum tooling to reduce stress concentrations, combined with a fiber-based slurry composition that includes additives like Kymene for wet strength and AKD for moisture barriers, to create strong, durable, and comfortable fiber-based beverage yokes that are biodegradable and compostable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If fiber-based materials are used for beverage yokes, then environmental sustainability is improved (biodegradable and compostable), but strength and durability deteriorate due to high stress concentrations around carrying holes and rapid degradation when wet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the fiber-based material by incorporating wet strength additives (polyamide-epichlorohydrin resin) and moisture barriers (alkylketene dimer) into the pulp slurry composition. This transforms the material properties to resist water degradation while maintaining biodegradability, directly resolving the contradiction between environmental sustainability and strength/durability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite fiber-based material by combining multiple components: fiber pulp (OCC and/or newsprint), wet strength additives, dry strength additives, and moisture barriers. This composite structure integrates the environmental benefits of fiber materials with the strength and durability characteristics needed for beverage yokes, resolving the contradiction between sustainability and performance
2Object-affected harmful factors
If fiber-based materials are used for beverage yokes, then environmental sustainability is improved (biodegradable and compostable), but reliability deteriorates due to rapid degradation when wet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the fiber-based material by adding moisture barrier agents (alkylketene dimer at 1-10% by weight) and wet strength additives. These parameter changes enable the material to maintain structural integrity in wet conditions while remaining biodegradable, thus improving reliability without sacrificing environmental sustainability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms fiber-based materials from short-lived, rapidly degrading products into durable, reusable beverage yokes through the addition of moisture barriers and strength additives. This extends the service life and reliability of disposable-like materials while maintaining their environmental benefits
3Strength
If geometric designs with optimized thickness dimensions are used, then stress concentrations are reduced and strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the thickness of the yoke web in specific regions - thicker at stress concentration points (around carrying holes) and thinner in less critical areas. This localized thickness optimization reduces overall material usage while strengthening critical areas, and the vacuum tooling with varying depth achieves this without complex multi-step manufacturing processes
4Manufacturing precision
If vacuum tooling is used to yield sharp edges, then manufacturing precision is improved (no subsequent die cutting needed), but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single vacuum tooling device: it forms the overall yoke shape, creates precise carrying hole geometries, and produces sharp edges all in one vacuum forming operation. This consolidation achieves high manufacturing precision while avoiding the need for subsequent die cutting operations, balancing tooling complexity with production efficiency
5Loss of substance
If geometric designs that minimize weight are used, then material usage is reduced and cost is decreased, but strength may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the thickness parameter of the yoke web to minimize material usage while maintaining strength. By carefully controlling the thickness (0.01-0.05 inches) and incorporating wet strength additives and moisture barriers, the design achieves weight reduction without sacrificing the strength needed to carry beverage containers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by varying thickness strategically - thinner in non-critical areas to reduce material usage and thicker around carrying holes and stress points to maintain strength. This localized optimization minimizes overall material consumption while preserving structural integrity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a strong, durable, and user-friendly fiber-based beverage yoke that effectively retains containers while being environmentally friendly, with improved resistance to wet conditions and reduced material usage, enhancing both performance and cost competitiveness with plastic alternatives.
Implementation Method 1
A vacuum is drawn through the holes while the screen prevents the pulp from clogging the holes. The pulp particulates accumulate at the screen surface to form the molded part.
Implementation Method 2
a fiber-based slurry composition for use in manufacturing such beverage holders
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for vacuum forming a beverage carrier yoke are described. The yoke comprises a number (e.g., four or six) collars interconnected by a web, and each collar exhibits dimensions—including a nominal diameter and a substantially uniform thickness—selected to improve strength and increase comfort. The yoke is produced using a slurry comprising a moisture barrier and a fiber base.