Foldable Container Carrier With Central Panel Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current carton designs for holding and transporting containers lack efficient structural solutions that provide robust retention and visibility of the containers while minimizing material usage and waste.
Innovation Solution
A carrier system comprising foldable panels with strategically placed adhesive openings and reconfigurable edges that securely attach to containers, allowing for multiple points of attachment and easy assembly, while exposing container tops for visibility and easy access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional carton designs are used to hold containers, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the retention strength and structural integrity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is divided into multiple panels (front, back, left, right, top, bottom) that can be folded and assembled around the containers. Each panel can be independently formed and attached, allowing the structure to adapt to container shapes while maintaining overall strength through distributed attachment points
Solution Approach 2:
The panels are designed to nest around the containers, with the carrier structure enclosing the containers in a nested configuration. The panels fold around the containers and attach to secure them, creating a nested protective structure that provides strength without excessive material
2Reliability
If more material is used to create a robust carrier structure, then the retention and visibility are improved, but the material usage and waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier utilizes thin panel structures that fold and conform around the containers, providing structural integrity through clever geometry and attachment mechanisms rather than thick material. The panels act as flexible shells that protect and secure containers while minimizing material consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier structure changes its configuration from a flat blank to a three-dimensional assembled structure around the containers. This parameter change in shape and configuration allows the same material to provide greater structural integrity and retention strength without increasing material quantity
3Productivity
If the carrier structure is designed for easy assembly, then the manufacturing speed increases, but the retention strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The panels are pre-formed with attachment features (adhesive surfaces, fold lines, and engagement structures) during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid assembly by simply folding and attaching the pre-prepared panels to the containers, maintaining both speed and strength
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier is segmented into multiple independent panels that can be manufactured separately and assembled quickly. Each panel can be independently formed and attached to containers, enabling parallel assembly operations that increase productivity while maintaining retention strength through multiple attachment points
Data Source
AI summary
A carrier for holding a plurality of containers includes a plurality of panels having at least one central panel, at least one attachment panel foldably connected to the at least one central panel and configured to receive a portion of at least one container of the plurality of containers, and at least one side panel foldably connected to the at least one attachment panel. The at least one central panel includes a plurality of openings and is positioned between and attached to adjacent containers of the plurality of containers, and the at least one side panel is attached to at least one container of the plurality of containers.