Removable Opener Plate for Beverage Packaging Leverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing secondary beverage packaging does not effectively assist in opening primary packaging, such as glass bottles with crimp-on crown caps, and existing solutions often require additional tools that can snag clothing or interfere with packaging and shipping processes.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a substantially flat, removable opener plate into secondary packaging that can be used to apply leverage for opening bottle caps without extending beyond the packaging footprint, allowing for convenient use while minimizing interference with primary packaging and shipping processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a substantial leverage handle is used to open bottle caps, then the opening capability is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveopening capabilityVSAvoidhandle structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The opener plate is segmented into functional zones: a leverage zone for applying force, a fulcrum zone for pivoting, and a cap engagement zone. This segmentation allows each area to be optimized for its specific function while keeping the overall structure compact and integrated into the packaging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The opener plate is nested within the secondary packaging footprint, utilizing the packaging structure itself as the base. The opener plate does not extend beyond the original packaging boundaries, effectively nesting the opening function within the existing packaging form factor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Force

If an extended opener structure is used, then the leverage capability is improved, but the packaging footprint increases causing snagging issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleverage capabilityVSAvoidpackaging footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The opener plate utilizes the vertical dimension and internal space of the packaging structure rather than extending horizontally. By pivoting within the packaging footprint and using the packaging walls as support, the design achieves leverage without increasing the external footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If a removable opener plate is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveopener accessibilityVSAvoidremoval mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The opener plate is extracted as a separate, removable component from the packaging. Perforations are provided that allow the plate to be easily separated from the packaging along with some secondary packaging material, enabling the user to take the opener plate with them for convenient use away from the packaging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging structure has localized perforations specifically positioned to allow selective removal of the opener plate. These perforations are strategically placed to circumscribe the opener plate and allow clean separation without requiring complex mechanisms throughout the entire packaging structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Shape

If an integrated opener plate is used, then the packaging streamlined design is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging streamlined designVSAvoidopener plate integration

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The opener plate is merged with the secondary packaging in a streamlined integration where the plate is substantially flat and flush-mounted to the packaging surface. The opener plate and packaging form a unified structure during shipping and storage, with no extremities reaching beyond the original packaging footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 integrated opener plate provides a convenient and non-intrusive means to open bottle caps, enhancing user experience and logistics by preventing snagging and ensuring smooth shipping and stacking processes.

Implementation Method 1

an opener plate may be conveniently removable from secondary beverage packaging... the opener plate may be separated (along with some of the secondary packaging) from the remainder of the packaging. The opener may thus be used while coupled to the packaging or after being removed therefrom.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLeverage: Lever

Implementation Method 2

When in detached use, the opener plate may remain substantially shrouded in secondary (e.g., cardboard) packaging adding a layer of 'padding' for applying leverage to open a bottle cap.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS10377618B1Systems and methods related to beverage packaging

Publication Date: 2019.08.13 WIELEBSKI TIMOTHY J

AI summary

Systems and methods directed to the art of secondary beverage packaging include a device or structure for assisting in the opening of primary beverage packaging which may, prior to opening, have been at least partially contained in the secondary beverage packaging.