Tearable Tab Container Carrier for Weight Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Container carriers typically have a fixed quantity of containers, leading to uneven weight distribution when removing containers, and existing solutions do not allow for flexible adjustment or easy separation into smaller units for convenient carrying and storage.
Innovation Solution
A container carrier with an integrally molded body of annular structures, featuring tearable tabs and flanges that allow for detachment into smaller carriers, optimized for weight distribution and easy handling, and made from flexible plastic for durability and recyclability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the container carrier holds a fixed quantity of containers designed for maximum capacity, then the manufacturing efficiency and shipping optimization are improved, but the adaptability for different user needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container carrier is divided into multiple detachable annular structures (first, second, third, and fourth annular structures) connected by tearable tabs. Users can separate these structures to create carriers with different numbers of containers, allowing the same initial design to serve multiple quantity requirements while maintaining manufacturing efficiency for the standardized full-capacity design
2Adaptability or versatility
If containers are removed from a fixed-capacity carrier, then the adaptability for user needs is improved, but the weight distribution and carrying balance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the carrier into detachable annular structures, users can remove entire sections rather than individual containers, maintaining balanced weight distribution. For example, removing one or two complete annular structures keeps the remaining carrier symmetric and stable, avoiding the imbalance that would result from removing individual containers from a fixed structure
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier transitions from a static fixed-capacity design to a dynamic reconfigurable system where users can adjust the number of annular structures based on their needs. The tearable tabs enable easy reconfiguration while the modular design ensures that any configuration maintains proper weight balance
3Strength
If the container carrier is designed as a single integrated unit, then the structural strength is improved, but the ease of separation into smaller units deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated body is designed with built-in segmentation through tearable tabs that connect annular structures. These tabs are positioned at predetermined weak points in the molded structure, allowing clean separation without compromising the strength of the individual annular structures or requiring additional tools or force
Solution Approach 2:
The tearable tabs act as intermediary elements between the annular structures. They provide a controlled separation mechanism that maintains structural integrity during use but allows easy division when needed. The tabs are designed to tear cleanly, creating smooth edges on the separated structures without causing damage
4Ease of operation
If tearable tabs are used for detachment, then the ease of separation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tearable tabs are merged into the annular structures as an integrated feature of the molded body, rather than being separate components. This combining of the tab and structure into a single molded piece simplifies manufacturing and reduces the number of parts, while still providing the desired ease of separation through the predetermined tear lines
Data Source
AI summary
A container carrier and manufacturing method therefor are provided. The container carrier may include an integrally molded body with a plurality of annular structures. Each annular structure may have a top surface, a side wall, a circumferential rib, and a plurality of inwardly projecting flanges. The plurality of flanges may be collectively configured to secure a corresponding container within the annular structure. A first annular structure may be detachably coupled to a second annular structure by a tearable first tab, and a third annular structure may be detachably coupled to a fourth annular structure by a tearable second tab. The container carrier may be configured to separate into a first truncated carrier and a second truncated carrier when tearing operations are performed on both the first tab and second tab.