Simultaneous Strap and Handle Attachment for Multipack Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of efficient and time-saving methods for attaching a stable carrying handle to strapped containers in packaging technology, particularly for bundles of cylindrical articles like bottles, which requires significant material and energy when using traditional shrink packaging methods.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that simultaneously attach a retaining strap and a carrying handle to containers using an application head, where the strap and handle rings are not yet connected at their ends, allowing for automated and integrated attachment without the need for additional devices, with the strap ring arranged horizontally and the handle ring vertically, enhancing strap tension and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional shrink packaging is used to combine bottles into containers, then the bottles are securely held together, but material and energy costs are very high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of shrink packaging (holding bottles together) and replaces it with a strapping system that uses minimal material. The retaining strap and carrying handle are applied only where needed to secure the bundle, eliminating the need for extensive shrink wrap material while maintaining bundle stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and application method from thermal shrinking to mechanical strapping. By using a retaining strap that can be tightened around the bottles and a carrying handle that grips the strap, the system achieves secure bundling with significantly reduced material usage and without requiring energy-intensive heating processes.
2Loss of substance
If bottles are combined by strapping with a retaining strap and carrying handle, then material and energy costs are reduced, but no simple and time-saving automated method is known for attaching the carrying handle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the attachment of the retaining strap and the carrying handle into a single automated operation. The application head simultaneously applies both components to the bundle, eliminating the need for separate attachment steps and significantly improving productivity while maintaining the material-saving benefits of strapping.
Solution Approach 2:
The application head is designed as a multi-functional device that can both apply the retaining strap and attach the carrying handle in one operation. This universal device performs multiple functions that would otherwise require separate machines or manual steps, thereby increasing attachment speed and productivity.
3Reliability
If the carrying handle is attached to the retaining strap, then the bundle becomes stable and secure to carry, but the attachment process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-configuring the carrying handle and retaining strap in a ready-to-apply state on the application head. The components are positioned and prepared before the operation, allowing for rapid simultaneous attachment to the bundle without requiring complex real-time adjustments or multiple steps, thus reducing attachment time while ensuring stable bundle construction.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for fitting at least one carrying handle (13) on a multipack assembly (10). Such a multipack assembly (10) consists of at least two articles (20), wherein the articles (20) are combined by at least one largely horizontally arranged retaining band (12). The retaining band (12) encloses at least part of the articles (20) at least partially in each case, and the carrying handle (13) is in contact with at least two opposite locations of the retaining band (12), wherein the horizontal retaining band (12) and the carrying handle (13) are each configured in ring form. According to the invention, the retaining band (12) and the carrying handle (13) are fastened on the multipack assembly (10) at the same time. The invention further comprises an application head (1) for implementing the method, and the multipacks (10) produced in this way.