Polygonal Applicator Plate for Printable Clip Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plastic rings used to hold groups of articles together are not easily printable, not recyclable, and pose health risks to wildlife.
Innovation Solution
An applicator plate with polygonal apertures and pegs is used in an apparatus to attach frangibly adjoined clips to articles, breaking the frangible connections to form separate groups, allowing for reusable and printable packaging solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If plastic rings are used to hold groups of articles together, then the articles can be transported as a single unit, but the plastic cannot easily be printed on, is not readily recyclable, and poses health risks to wildlife
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from plastic to metal (steel or aluminum), which fundamentally alters the properties of the carrier. This material substitution enables printability while eliminating the harmful environmental and health effects associated with plastic rings, directly resolving the technical contradiction between adaptability and harmful factors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by combining metal material with printed indicia and integrated clip structures. The metal body provides structural integrity and recyclability, while the printed surfaces enable branding and information display, creating a multi-functional carrier that addresses both printability and environmental concerns
2Adaptability or versatility
If plastic rings are used to hold groups of articles together, then the articles can be transported as a single unit, but the plastic is not readily recyclable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from non-recyclable plastic to recyclable metal (steel or aluminum), enabling the carrier to be readily recycled and reducing environmental impact. This material parameter change directly resolves the contradiction between adaptability and recyclability
3Productivity
If frangibly adjoined clips are used to attach to articles, then multiple groups of articles can be handled, but the frangible connections must be broken to form separate clips
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the clip structure into multiple independently operable clips that can be attached to different groups of articles. Each clip functions independently while being part of an integrated system, allowing simultaneous handling of multiple article groups without requiring complex breaking operations, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the invention relate to an applicator plate (10) for use in an apparatus (80) for attaching a set of frangibly adjoined top engaging clips (110) to a group of articles ‘C’. The applicator plate (10) having a generally planar body; and a plurality of apertures (16a-26f) within the body. Each aperture (16a-26f) has a series of internal walls (16i-16x) arranged such that each aperture (16a-26f) has a polygonal shape.