Handle Tabs Expand to Fit Over Container Flange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Food packaging containers with handles are difficult to handle and dispense due to their design, particularly when filled with viscous or heavy products, as existing solutions require significant force or are not securely attached.
Innovation Solution
A container and handle system featuring a flange with radially oriented tabs that can expand to fit over the container neck, providing a secure attachment without relying on the container's strength, using a method where the tabs are biased to engage the flange, ensuring the handle remains in place during transport and use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a handle is applied to a container with top load strength less than 25 lbf, then handling and transportation are facilitated, but excessive force may damage the container
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is divided into a rigid outer ring and flexible tabs that can independently deform. The tabs are separated from the main body and can be flexed outward to facilitate application without transmitting excessive force to the container, while the rigid ring provides structural support for handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The tabs are made flexible allowing them to be deformed outward during application and then return to engage the container flange. This flexibility enables the handle to be applied without excessive force while still providing secure attachment for handling heavy containers.
2Reliability
If tabs are biased to engage the flange with a second diameter less than the flange diameter, then secure attachment is achieved, but application requires overcoming the bias force
Solution Approach 1:
The tabs are designed with elastic bias that allows dynamic deformation during application. The tabs can be flexed outward to a first diameter for easy application, then automatically return to engage the flange at the second diameter, providing secure attachment without requiring sustained high force.
Solution Approach 2:
The tabs change their diameter parameter dynamically - expanded to a first diameter greater than the flange for application, then contracted to a second diameter less than the flange for engagement. This parameter change enables easy application while ensuring secure attachment.
3Ease of operation
If the handle is designed with rigid structure for strength, then handling capability is improved, but application force exceeds container承受能力
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is segmented into rigid and flexible portions. The rigid outer ring provides structural strength for handling heavy containers, while the flexible tabs are separated and can be independently deformed during application, allowing the rigid structure to be applied without excessive force.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system where tabs can be temporarily deformed during application. The tabs flex outward to reduce application force, then return to provide secure engagement, enabling the rigid handle to be applied to weak containers.
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 system allows for easy handling and transportation of filled containers by securely attaching the handle without applying excessive force on the container, preventing removal and ensuring stability during use.
Implementation Method 1
at least one radially oriented tab movable to define a first diameter being greater than a diameter of the flange... The at least one tab is biased to a second diameter that is less than the flange diameter such that the at least one tab engages the flange to fix the handle with the container
Data Source
AI summary
A container and handle system includes a container including a flange and a top load strength in a range of less than 25 lbf. A handle includes at least one radially oriented tab movable to define a first diameter being greater than a diameter of the flange and configured to facilitate translation over the flange. The at least one tab is biased to a second diameter that is less than the flange diameter such that the at least one tab engages the flange to fix the handle with the container. Packaging products, containers, handles, tooling, applicators and methods are disclosed.