Wraparound Carrier Chime Locks for Tapered Articles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wrap-around type packaging carriers struggle to securely hold multiple rows of articles, especially tapered ones, due to inadequate locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A wraparound carrier with chime locks and corner locks that engage the peripheral chime and flanged top of articles, along with a bull-sized bottom panel and secondary bottom panel secured via a corner lock, ensuring secure retention without a central keel or spacer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a wrap-around carrier is used to enclose multiple articles, then shipping and distribution efficiency is improved, but the ability to securely hold tapered articles and multiple rows of articles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is segmented into multiple functional components: side walls with chime locks for individual article engagement, end walls with corner locks for row stabilization, and a bottom panel system for structural support. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific locking function, securing both single and multiple rows of tapered articles effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner locks extend diagonally across the end walls, utilizing the third dimension to provide cross-row stabilization. This dimensional approach allows the carrier to secure multiple rows of articles simultaneously by engaging corner features from adjacent rows, preventing lateral displacement and maintaining structural integrity.
2Device complexity
If traditional locking mechanisms are used in wrap-around carriers, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to securely retain tapered articles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The chime locks and corner locks are designed to automatically engage with the articles during the folding and assembly process. The retaining tabs and locking flaps self-position to engage the chime and corner features of the articles, eliminating the need for separate manual locking operations while ensuring secure retention of tapered articles.
Solution Approach 2:
The chime locks act as intermediary elements between the carrier side walls and the article chimes, providing a mechanical interface that accommodates tapered shapes. The corner locks serve as mediators between the end walls and article corners, enabling secure engagement of multiple rows without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
3Reliability
If additional spacers or central keels are added to improve article security, then article retention reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The side walls serve multiple functions: they provide the structural framework of the carrier, incorporate chime locks for individual article engagement, and form the bases for corner locks. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate central keels or spacers, as the side walls themselves perform the structural support and article retention functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The chime locks and corner locks are merged into the side wall and end wall structures respectively, rather than being separate components. The retaining tabs of chime locks are integrated into the side wall folding sequence, and corner locks are formed as part of the end wall assembly, reducing the total component count and simplifying manufacturing while maintaining secure retention of tapered articles.
Data Source
AI summary
A package comprises a wraparound carrier (90) enclosing a plurality of articles (C) arranged in a two-row group. Each of the plurality of articles has a tapered body and a peripheral chime (70) defining a recessed bottom. The wraparound carrier includes a plurality of chime locks (58) that each engage the peripheral chime of a respective one of the plurality of articles.