Twist-Off Bundled Cases for Stable Handling of Narrow Packages

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Solution Overview

Problem

Secondary packaging for products like diapers and sanitary pads with widths less than 15 cm are less stable and require higher handling capacity, making them difficult to handle and store efficiently, especially for untrained staff who need to place them on shelves without cutting tools to avoid damage or injury.

Innovation Solution

Releasably attaching two or more cases with a width of 50 mm to 200 mm, particularly 75 mm to 150 mm, together along a twisting axis using attachment means like glue spots or perforated bands to form a bundle that can be easily detached for handling and storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If secondary packages are made with smaller width to optimize shelf space, then shelf space utilization is improved, but handling stability and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshelf space occupiedVSAvoidhandling ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple narrow cases are merged together to form a bundled package with increased width. The cases are attached side-by-side using attachment means (such as adhesive bands or glue spots) to create a single handling unit that occupies less shelf space when bundled but provides adequate width and stability when handled as a group.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Volume of stationary object

If cases are made with smaller width to reduce packaging size, then storage density is improved, but stability during handling deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage volumeVSAvoidhandling stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple narrow cases are combined into a bundled package, creating a wider and more stable structure. The bundle of cases provides a broader base and better weight distribution, improving stability during handling and transport while maintaining efficient storage volume utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Cases are pre-attached in bundles during the packaging process before reaching the shelf. This preliminary bundling ensures that the cases are already stabilized and configured for optimal handling, eliminating the need for staff to manually assemble or stabilize narrow cases during shelf restocking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Area of stationary object

If narrow cases are used to optimize shelf depth utilization, then shelf space efficiency is improved, but ease of operation for untrained staff deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshelf depth utilizationVSAvoidintuitive handling

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple narrow cases are merged into bundles that have dimensions more suitable for intuitive handling by untrained staff. The bundled configuration provides better grip points and overall control, making it easier for supermarket staff to manipulate and place products on shelves without requiring specialized training or tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Productivity

If smaller width cases are produced to meet customer requirements, then product packaging efficiency is improved, but handling capacity requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging efficiencyVSAvoidhandling system capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple narrow cases are combined into bundles, creating handling units with optimized dimensions. This allows standard handling equipment and manual handling systems to manage the bundled packages more effectively, reducing the complexity and capacity requirements of handling systems while maintaining the packaging efficiency benefits of narrow individual cases.

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 bundling of cases provides improved stability and ease of handling, allowing for standard-sized packaging that is easier to manage in production lines and reduces the risk of damage or injury during shelf placement, while also enhancing pallet stability during transport.

Implementation Method 1

using attachment means like glue spots or adhesive bands

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS9139329B2Temporary bundling of small width cases

Publication Date: 2015.09.22 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

A bundle comprising two or more cases, each case having a width and a length. The cases are releasably attached together along at least one twisting axis. The cases can be detached by being twisted apart along the twisting axis, and the width of each case is from 50 mm to 200 mm. A method of bundling together two cases along a twisting axis by attaching the cases is also disclosed.