Folding Lower Retention Flaps for Secure Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional packaging methods for multiple product units, such as cans or bottles, are inadequate in providing a secure and efficient way to package various configurations, like a two-by-three six pack, as they often require excessive packaging material and lack reliability in retaining the products in place.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a pair of prongs with tines that travel along a cam path, a panel for supporting and guiding retention flaps, and a conveyor mechanism that folds and interlocks the carton blanks around product containers, ensuring secure packaging with reduced material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional paperboard wrappers are used to package multiple cans or bottles, then the packaging can be assembled, but the packaging material is excessive and the reliability of retaining products in place is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The carton blank is divided into multiple retention flaps (first and second retention flaps on each side) that can be independently folded and interlocked with the cam path mechanism, allowing selective engagement with specific cans to improve retention reliability while using only the necessary packaging material
Solution Approach 2:
The cam path mechanism provides dynamic, movable prongs that can actively engage and interlock with the cans during the folding process, transforming the static paperboard wrapper into an active retention system that securely holds products in place
2Productivity
If a paperboard wrapper is wrapped around four sides of a two-by-two or two-by-three group of cans, then the basic packaging is achieved, but the system lacks efficiency and superior packaging properties
Solution Approach 1:
The carton blank is pre-configured with predetermined fold lines and retention flaps positioned to automatically engage with the cans as they pass through the cam path mechanism, eliminating the need for complex manual assembly and improving packaging efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The retention flaps are designed to self-interlock with the cans through the folding mechanism, where the flaps automatically engage and secure the cans in place without requiring additional fastening operations or complex device components
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 superior packaging properties, including ease of use and reliability, by securely holding product containers in place with minimal packaging material, suitable for various configurations like a two-by-three six pack, while preventing movement and ensuring stability.
Implementation Method 1
each prong travels along a cam path
Data Source
AI summary
A system including a pair of prongs extending in a transverse direction, spaced apart from one another by a gap configured to receive carton blanks and product containers therein, and to crease retention flaps of the carton blank, wherein each prong travels along a cam path, a panel extending in a longitudinal direction in-between the pair of prongs configured to support the product containers and guide the retentions flaps, a pair of asymmetrical guide rails underneath the panel configured to alternatingly crease a first primary flap and a second primary flap of the carton blank, and a conveyor mechanism proximate to the panel configured to move they product container and a carton blanks along the panel.