Rigid Plastic Container Carrier for Recyclable Can-and-Bottle Multipacks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional container carriers, particularly those made from flexible plastic, are not fully recyclable, contributing to environmental waste and requiring alternative solutions that support a circular economy while maintaining operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A container carrier made from 100% curbside recyclable rigid plastics, such as HDPE or PET, designed to accommodate both cans and bottles, featuring engagement means like radial tabs and clips to securely hold containers, with a handle for easy carrying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If flexible plastic ring carriers are used to unitize containers, then operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness are improved, but recyclability deteriorates because 60%+ consumers cannot recycle flexible plastics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from flexible plastic to rigid plastic (HDPE or PET), which transforms the recyclability status from non-recyclable to 100% curbside recyclable while maintaining the structural functionality needed for operational efficiency in unitizing containers
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier is constructed from rigid plastic materials (HDPE or PET) that combine the structural integrity needed for operational efficiency with the recyclability properties required for environmental sustainability, creating a composite solution that addresses both concerns
2Reliability
If 100% curbside recyclable rigid plastics are used to make container carriers, then recyclability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for engagement means like radial tabs and clips
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is segmented into modular components including radial tabs and clips that can be independently designed and manufactured, allowing for simplified production of complex structural elements while maintaining overall recyclability
Solution Approach 2:
The radial tabs and clips serve multiple functions: they provide structural engagement with containers, enable easy assembly and disassembly, and maintain the overall simplicity of the rigid plastic construction, thereby managing complexity through multi-functionality
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single container carrier design is used to accommodate both cans and bottles, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier design incorporates universal engagement features such as radial tabs and clips that can accommodate different container types (cans and bottles) through a single standardized structure, achieving multi-functionality without requiring multiple specialized designs
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier employs local quality variations in the form of specially designed engagement zones with radial tabs and clips that provide precise local fitment for different container types, while the overall structure remains simple and manufacturable
Data Source
AI summary
A container carrier for unitizing a plurality of containers that includes a first engagement means configured to engage a can and a second engagement means configured to engage a bottle, wherein the first engagement means and the second engagement means are generally superimposed upon each other.