Interconnected Article Bundle Chain Reducing Connection Resources

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for bundling articles, such as beverage containers, often require excessive resources due to the need for numerous connections and enclosures, leading to inefficiencies and waste, especially in arrangements like right-angled and nested configurations.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that form a continuous chain of articles connected in a single-row or nested arrangement using adhesive bonds, where each article is connected to only two others, reducing the number of connections needed and eliminating the need for external enclosures, thereby minimizing resource usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional bundling methods using enclosures and multiple connections are used, then articles are securely held together, but resource consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of bundled articlesVSAvoidresource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the outer enclosure (cardboard box, shrink wrap, strapping) traditionally used to bundle articles. Instead, articles are directly connected to each other through connecting elements on their surfaces, extracting the enclosure function and replacing it with direct inter-article connections. This eliminates the need for external packaging materials while maintaining bundle integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of multiple components into a single integrated system. The connecting elements on article surfaces directly join articles together, combining the previously separate functions of enclosures and connection mechanisms into one unified structure. This reduces the total number of components and material types required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Stability of the object's composition

If numerous connections are made between articles in traditional arrangements, then bundle stability is achieved, but the number of connections and resource usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebundle stabilityVSAvoidnumber of connections
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the connection function into individual connecting elements positioned at specific locations on article surfaces. Rather than using a single enclosing structure with multiple attachment points, each article has its own connecting elements that engage with adjacent articles. This segmentation allows for a reduced total number of connections while maintaining stability through distributed connection points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies connecting elements at specific local positions on article surfaces rather than uniformly across all surfaces. The connecting elements are strategically placed to achieve stable bundling with minimal connections, optimizing the distribution and orientation of connection points based on local geometric and functional requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Loss of substance

If adhesive bonds are used to connect articles in a chain arrangement, then resource usage is reduced, but connection strength may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource usageVSAvoidconnection strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameters of the connection method by using adhesive bonds instead of mechanical fasteners. This parameter change reduces resource consumption by eliminating the need for additional connection components while maintaining sufficient connection strength through proper adhesive selection and application. The adhesive bonds create strong chemical bonds between article surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical connection systems (such as clips, snaps, or threaded fasteners) with adhesive bonding. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical interlocking mechanisms while providing strong, durable connections. The adhesive bonds directly join article surfaces through chemical adhesion, replacing the mechanical coupling approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This approach significantly reduces the number of connections required, saving resources and simplifying the bundling process, with a 28.6% to 72.2% reduction in connections compared to traditional methods, and a 44.4% reduction in resources used for nested arrangements, while maintaining stability and ease of handling.

Implementation Method 1

connected in a continuous chain by means of connecting means, in particular by means of adhesive bonds

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP2878542B2Packaging comprising an interconnected articles, and methods and apparatus for producing the same
Publication Date: 2022.06.01 KRONES AG
  • EP2878542B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2878542B2 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2878542B2 patent drawingFigure 3a)~3c)

AI summary

A bundle (01) of interconnected articles (02) is described, comprising A=RxZ articles (02) in R rows (09) and Z columns (10) with R≥2 and Z≥2. The interconnected articles (02) of the bundle (01) form a continuous chain (03) of interconnected articles (02) within the bundle (01). The articles (02) outside the chain (03) are free of connections (08) to each other. Each article (02) within the chain (03) is connected only to its predecessor and successor in the chain (03). If the chain (03) is a closed chain (32) without a beginning (05) and end (06), then each of the articles (02) connected along the chain (32) is an article (02) within the chain (03).If the chain (03) is an open chain (31) with a beginning (05) and an end (06), each article (02) at the beginning (05) and at the end (06) of the chain (31), where there is no predecessor or successor, is connected only to its successor or predecessor. Furthermore, a method and a device (20) for producing such a container (01) are described.