Package With Reinforcement Flap And Integrated Handle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging solutions for containers, such as cartons and packages, lack effective reinforcement features that enhance structural integrity and ease of handling, particularly when carrying multiple containers of varying shapes and sizes.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a top panel and side panel with a reinforcement flap that overlaps the top panel, along with handle features integrated into the side panel and reinforcement flap, allowing for improved structural reinforcement and ease of carrying by providing additional rigidity and secure grasping points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If reinforcement features are added to enhance structural integrity, then the package strength is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackage strengthVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The package is divided into distinct functional segments: a base package structure and separate reinforcement elements (flaps, extensions, or insertable components). These segmented reinforcement features can be selectively applied to specific areas needing strength enhancement without reinforcing the entire package, thus improving strength while controlling complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Reinforcement features are designed to nest within or integrate with the existing package structure. For example, reinforcement flaps are folded into and attached within the package interior, or reinforcement extensions are nested within the package cavity. This nesting approach adds strength without significantly increasing the external footprint or overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If reinforcement features are added to prevent tearing during lifting, then the reliability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Reinforcement features are pre-formed and pre-positioned within the package structure during manufacturing. Reinforcement flaps are pre-folded and pre-attached to the package base, or reinforcement extensions are pre-inserted into the package cavity before final sealing. This preliminary action ensures reliability is built-in during manufacturing without requiring complex assembly steps or specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforcement features are designed to be self-securing through simple folding and interlocking mechanisms that require no additional fasteners, adhesives, or complex assembly operations. The package structure itself provides the means for reinforcement attachment, making the manufacturing process straightforward and maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving high reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If handle features are integrated into the reinforcement structure, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handle feature is merged with the reinforcement structure, combining two functions (reinforcement and handling) into a single integrated component. The reinforcement extension or flap incorporates a handle opening or grip feature that allows users to grasp and carry the package securely. This merging eliminates the need for separate handle components, reducing overall device complexity while improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforcement structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural strength to prevent tearing, extends the package surface area for stability, and incorporates a handle feature for easy carrying. This multi-functionality approach allows a single structural element to address multiple user needs, improving ease of operation without adding dedicated separate components that would increase complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8925720B2Package for containers
Publication Date: 2015.01.06 GRAPHIC PACKAGING INTERNATIONAL LLC
  • US8925720B2 patent drawing
  • US8925720B2 patent drawing
  • US8925720B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A package for holding a plurality of containers. The package has a top panel and side panels. The package has retention features for retaining the containers and reinforcement features for reinforcing the package.