Aerosol Container Base with Stem Protection Recess
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transport systems for pressurized aerosol containers are costly due to high manufacturing costs and material damage during transport, particularly affecting the stem of the container, and require significant volume for transportation.
Innovation Solution
A transport system featuring a plastic container with a base that provides stable support and protection for the stem, allowing for thinner walls and reduced material usage, combined with a thermoformed sheet system for efficient stacking and protection during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the container wall thickness is increased to withstand operating pressure, then the container strength is improved, but the manufacturing cost and transportation volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into two functional parts: the can body with optimized wall thickness and the base with reinforced structure. The base assumes the primary load-bearing function for pressure resistance, allowing the can walls to be thinner while maintaining overall strength. This segmentation enables cost reduction in wall material while preserving container integrity through the strengthened base design.
2Ease of operation
If the container is transported pre-pressurised with valve fitted and soldered, then the functional readiness is improved, but the transportation cost and material damage risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve cup and stem assembly are pre-installed on the container neck before filling, but the container is transported in an unpressurised state. This preliminary assembly ensures functional readiness for subsequent filling operations while avoiding the risks of transporting pre-pressurised containers. The stem protection element is also pre-positioned to protect the stem during handling and transport.
3Reliability
If the stem protection element is fixed to the valve cup or metal canister, then the stem protection is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stem protection element is integrated with the base structure rather than being a separate attached component. The base is designed with an internal cavity or recess that houses and protects the stem during transport, combining the protection function with the existing base component. This merging approach provides effective stem protection without adding separate parts or increasing assembly complexity.
4Productivity
If multiple containers are stacked for transportation, then the transportation efficiency is improved, but the stem damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stem protection element is designed as a nested structure within the base cavity, creating a protective chamber that accommodates the stem. When containers are stacked, the base of each container houses its stem protection element, and the stacking arrangement allows the protection elements to interlock or nest together, providing mutual protection. This nested configuration enables safe vertical stacking while maintaining stem integrity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4A
AI summary
A transport system for a container (1) of a fluid substance, comprising a can (2) having a neck (4) defining an opening (3), there being fastened, in a water-tight manner, to the neck (4) a valve element (5) comprising a valve cup (6) supporting a hollow stem (7) which is movable - against an elastic element (8) - between a first stable closing position and a second unstable position in which fluid is delivered through a cavity (7A) in the stem (7), the said cavity (7A) in the stem being in communication with the interior of the can (2) when the stem is in the dispensing position, the said system being characterized by the fact that the can (2) is fixed to a support base (10) of the container (1), the base comprising a support surface (14) provided with a recess (11) defined by a first centering surface (11A) configured to centre the container (1) on a valve cup (6) of a further identical container, on top of which the container (1) may be placed, a second support surface (11B) for the stable support of the container (1) on the valve cup (6), and a third surface (12) recessed with respect to the second surface (11B) and configured to house and protect the stem (7) of an aerosol valve of the further container (1A).