Pronged Package Carrier Handle Without Adhesive Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching handles to sealed packages are inefficient, temperature-sensitive, labor-intensive, and non-reusable, often requiring adhesives that fail at high or low temperatures, and result in material waste and poor aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A carrier system with prongs and a handle that attaches to packages through slits, using a barb-like structure to distribute force evenly and allow for easy insertion and removal, enabling automation and reusability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If adhesives are used to attach handles to packages, then handles can be securely attached, but the attachment becomes temperature-sensitive and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the adhesive chemical bonding system with a mechanical fastening system using a pin that physically penetrates through the package material and handle to create a mechanical interlock. This mechanical system is insensitive to temperature variations and provides reliable attachment across different thermal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is divided into separate components: the handle, the pin, and the package material. The pin acts as a separate fastening element that connects the handle to the package through physical penetration, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining strong attachment.
2Strength
If multiple pieces of adhesive tape are used to secure handles, then attachment strength improves, but labor intensity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the multi-layer adhesive tape system with a single pin fastening mechanism that can be automatically inserted through both the package and handle in one action. This mechanical system enables automation while achieving secure attachment with fewer components and steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple attachment functions into a single pin component that simultaneously secures the handle to the package and provides structural support. This consolidation reduces the number of separate pieces needed and simplifies the manufacturing process.
3Ease of operation
If material is extended beyond sealed portion to create handles, then handles can be formed from package material, but material efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the handle function from the package material itself by introducing a separate handle component attached via pin. This allows the package material to be used efficiently for its primary containment function without extending excess material beyond the sealed portion, while still providing functional handles through the attached component.
4Strength
If heat shrink wrap or tensioned plastic bands are used to attach packages, then packages can be secured together, but aesthetics are compromised and writing is obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the visual-obscuring heat shrink wrap and tensioned bands with a minimal pin fastening system that secures packages without covering or deforming the package surface. The pin system maintains package aesthetics and preserves printed writing while providing secure attachment.
Data Source
AI summary
The carrier includes a handle; and at least one prong attached to the handle. The at least one prong is attached to the handle such that a first portion of the prong extends in a first direction from an attachment point to the handle and a second portion of the prong extends in a second direction from the attachment point. The second direction is opposite the first direction. When the carrier is not under tension, a gap between the handle and the first portion of the prong exists.