Triangular Beverage Container Holder with Hinged Access Panel
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage packaging methods are inefficient, aesthetically unpleasing, and environmentally unfriendly, as they often result in disorganized and unsightly storage and access issues, particularly with cylindrical containers.
Innovation Solution
A triangular beverage container holder with a pivotable hinged corner allows for organized and eco-friendly storage and dispensing, using biodegradable materials and a latching mechanism to maintain container stability, while reducing material usage through curved corner design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rectangular cardboard cartons are used to package beverage cans, then the packaging provides structural support and containment, but access to beverages becomes awkward when positioned on high shelves and cans may roll out if opening is on the narrowest side
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging structure is divided into a main body and a separate access panel that can be opened independently. This panel segments the containment function from the access function, allowing users to open only a portion of the packaging to retrieve beverages without compromising the structural integrity of the entire container.
Solution Approach 2:
The access panel is positioned on the end of the rectangular carton rather than on the top or side, utilizing the third dimension (depth) for access. This dimensional change allows users to reach beverages from the end of the carton, providing ergonomic access even when the carton is positioned on high shelves.
2Device complexity
If shrink wrap is used to enclose beverage containers, then the packaging is simple and compact, but beverages lack lateral support causing them to tip over and the display becomes disorganized as beverages are removed
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging provides individual compartments or designated spaces for each beverage container within the shrink-wrapped structure. This segmentation maintains lateral support for each container independently, preventing tipping over even as beverages are removed from the package.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging structure is designed with pre-formed slots or spaces that accommodate beverage containers in an orderly arrangement before they are placed inside. This preliminary structuring ensures that containers maintain their positions and lateral support throughout the dispensing process.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional packaging methods are used, then conventional manufacturing processes are employed, but material usage is excessive and environmental friendliness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The access panel is designed to be removed or separated from the main packaging body after use. This extraction allows the main packaging structure to be fully recycled while the access panel, which contains wear components like hinges and latches, can be separately managed. The design minimizes overall material usage by eliminating redundant structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging is designed with recyclable materials and a structure that facilitates separation of components for recycling. The access panel can be detached and the main body recycled through conventional paperboard recycling streams, maximizing material recovery and minimizing waste.
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage container holding device and methods for the storage and dispensing of beverages. Embodiments of the beverage container holder include two spaced apart parallel and aligned triangular planes each with rounded vertices and with three equal side lengths between the rounded vertices. The corresponding sides of the triangular planes are connected by sides extending across the space between the triangular planes and perpendicular to them. One corner of the three sides extending in the spaced apart location comprises an articulated panel opening into an interior region of the beverage container holder. In some embodiments the parallel planes are trapezoidal in shape. Beverage containers are arranged, perpendicular to the triangular planes, in rows within the beverage container holder. The beverage container holder is filled by inserting beverage containers through the opened articulated panel and beverages are dispensed through the same portal. In some embodiments the beverage containers can be stacked.