Flexible Carrier Aperture Design for Sagging Prevention
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flexible plastic ring carriers for unitizing containers tend to sag at the ends when lifted, resulting in an unsightly appearance, especially when carrying a large number of containers, and fail to maintain a tight, aesthetically pleasing package.
Innovation Solution
A flexible carrier with elongated container receiving apertures arranged in two rows, progressively longer from the center to the outer edges, along with interconnecting oblique webs and a handle attached at intermediate pairs, forming a tight, bricklike package by stretching around containers and recovering to ensure secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional flexible plastic ring carriers are used to unitize a large number of containers, then the carrier can carry more containers, but the carrier sags at the ends when lifted resulting in an unsightly appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the aperture length along the carrier - outer apertures are longer than inner apertures. This localized differentiation allows the outer containers to be better supported and prevents sagging at the ends, while maintaining the ability to carry a large number of containers. The non-uniform aperture design addresses the appearance problem locally without compromising the overall capacity.
2Quantity of substance
If the carrier is made longer to accommodate more containers, then more containers can be unitized, but the carrier sags at the ends when lifted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by making outer apertures longer than inner apertures. This localized structural variation provides additional support at the ends of the carrier where sagging occurs, while maintaining the overall length needed to accommodate multiple containers. The differential aperture design creates localized reinforcement without requiring the entire carrier to be more rigid.
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform aperture design is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but the package does not maintain a tight unitized appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating aperture lengths - outer apertures are longer than inner apertures. This localized variation maintains relatively simple manufacturing processes while significantly improving the tightness and unitized appearance of the package. The non-uniform design allows better container engagement at the ends without requiring complex overall structural changes.
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 prevents sagging and maintains a tight, aesthetically pleasing unitized package, ensuring secure and stable carrying of multiple containers without excess play or sliding.
Implementation Method 1
Flexible plastic ring carriers having a plurality of container receiving apertures that each engage a corresponding container... following application of the carrier to a corresponding array of containers
Data Source
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AI summary
A flexible carrier (10) for carrying a plurality of containers within a plurality of corresponding container receiving apertures (25) that includes at least two rows of container receiving apertures (25)wherein each container receiving aperture (25) is wider than an adjacent container receiving aperture (25) from a center to outer edges of the carrier wherein a handle (50) extends outwardly from one row of the at least two rows.