Planar Metal Container Carrier With Elastic Tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current secondary packaging materials for containers, especially those with recesses and ledges, face challenges in production efficiency, material waste reduction, and structural strength, particularly for heavier containers, and often rely on unsustainable materials like plastic that contribute to pollution.
Innovation Solution
A metal-based secondary packaging system with a planar plate design featuring apertures in a grid formation and resilient retention tabs that undergo elastic deformation to securely hold containers, minimizing material thickness while maximizing structural strength and ease of use, and potentially using recycled metal to reduce environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If three-dimensional support structures are added to container carriers to support heavier products, then the carrying capacity and structural strength are improved, but the shipping efficiency deteriorates due to increased size and reduced carriers per shipping box
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming the rigid three-dimensional support structures into dynamic, collapsible configurations. The carrier can be flattened to a thin profile for efficient shipping, then expanded at the point of use to provide the necessary three-dimensional support for heavy containers. This dynamic transformation allows the same structure to optimize both shipping efficiency and structural strength at different stages of the supply chain.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If cardboard is used to manufacture container carriers, then the material is sustainable and biodegradable, but the reliability deteriorates due to susceptibility to breakage and tearing especially when wet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining paperboard with plastic coating or lamination. This composite structure integrates the sustainability and biodegradability benefits of paperboard with the enhanced structural integrity, moisture resistance, and durability of plastic coatings. The resulting material maintains environmental friendliness while significantly improving reliability for heavy container support.
3Strength
If plastic is used for secondary packaging to provide structural strength, then the strength and durability are improved, but the environmental harm increases due to pollution, landfill accumulation, and inefficient recycling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from plastic material to paperboard-based material, fundamentally changing the material composition parameter. This substitution maintains the necessary structural strength through optimized paperboard engineering and coatings while eliminating the environmental pollution, landfill accumulation, and recycling inefficiency associated with plastic packaging.
4Strength
If more material volume is used in plastic packaging to ensure structural strength, then the strength is improved, but the material waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating material strength precisely where needed rather than uniformly throughout the entire packaging structure. The design features localized reinforcement elements, strategic placement of support beams, and targeted coating applications that provide maximum structural strength with minimum material usage, thereby reducing overall material waste while maintaining adequate strength for heavy container support.
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 metal-based packaging system enhances structural strength, reduces material waste, and offers a more sustainable alternative to traditional plastics by utilizing existing metal stocks, facilitating efficient production and reuse, thereby addressing the limitations of current packaging solutions.
Implementation Method 1
resilient retention tabs that undergo elastic deformation to securely hold containers
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention pertains to a planar packaging (1) adapted to retain a plurality of objects (12), and in particular for holding containers such as cans. Furthermore, the invention relates to an assembly comprising the packaging according to the invention, holding a set of objects.