Angled Spout Container Self-Retaining on Bucket Rim

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing containers for storing and transporting flowable materials, especially viscous liquids, require manual handling and additional structures to empty completely into larger containers without spilling or tipping, which is inefficient and inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

A container design featuring a nozzle with a counter-bearing section that forms a 20° to 40° angle with the vertical axis, allowing it to self-retain and attach to a bucket rim, enabling complete emptying without manual support, using the container's weight and torque to secure the position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the container is designed with a standard vertical nozzle for easy filling and storage, then the filling and storage operations are simple and efficient, but the container cannot be self-retaining when inverted for emptying into a bucket

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilling and storage operationVSAvoidself-retaining capability during emptying
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle is designed with a counter-bearing section that forms a specific angle (20°-40°) with the vertical axis, allowing the container to dynamically adapt its orientation when inverted. This angular design enables the container to self-retain on the bucket rim by utilizing gravity and geometric constraint, transforming from a static vertical nozzle to a dynamic self-adjusting structure during the emptying process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The container's nozzle with the angled counter-bearing section enables the container to attach itself automatically to the bucket rim when inverted, without requiring manual positioning or additional clamping mechanisms. The container uses its own weight and the geometric angle to create a self-retaining configuration, achieving hands-free emptying operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of manufacture

If the container is made with a simple cylindrical shape for easy manufacturing, then the manufacturing process is simple and cost-effective, but the container cannot achieve stable self-retaining position when inverted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer manufacturingVSAvoidstability in inverted position
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle is designed with asymmetric geometry, specifically with a counter-bearing section that forms an angle (20°-40°) with the vertical axis. This asymmetric design breaks the symmetry of a standard cylindrical container, creating a unique self-retaining configuration when inverted. The asymmetric angle allows the container to find and maintain a stable equilibrium position on the bucket rim, preventing random tipping or rolling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Quantity of substance

If manual holding is required to empty the container into a bucket, then complete emptying can be achieved, but additional labor and time are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomplete emptying of contentsVSAvoidtime for emptying operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The container with the angled nozzle design performs the emptying function autonomously. When inverted on the bucket rim, the container automatically maintains its position and allows complete emptying of viscous materials without requiring a person to hold it. This self-service capability eliminates manual labor and significantly reduces the time required for the emptying operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the manual holding function from the emptying process. By designing the nozzle with the counter-bearing section at a specific angle, the container removes the need for human intervention or separate holding structures, enabling complete emptying to occur automatically when the container is placed on the bucket rim.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Quantity of substance

If a separate funnel-shaped holder is used to support the container during emptying, then complete emptying can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and additional components are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomplete emptying of contentsVSAvoidstructure for holding container
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the holding function into the container's own nozzle structure. The counter-bearing section of the nozzle, designed at a 20°-40° angle to the vertical axis, integrates the self-retaining capability directly into the container, eliminating the need for separate funnel-shaped holders or external support structures. This integration simplifies the overall system while achieving complete emptying.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the holding function from external separate structures and incorporates it into the container's own nozzle design. The angled counter-bearing section provides the necessary support and retention capability inherently, removing the requirement for additional holding devices and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 container can empty its contents completely into a bucket without manual intervention, ensuring stability and preventing spills, even with viscous materials, by utilizing its weight and design to clamp onto the bucket rim, ensuring efficient and hands-free operation.

Implementation Method 1

The abutment section and the socket are preferably designed in such a way that the container can be releasably fastened to the edge of the bucket at an incline towards the interior of the container. The edge of the bucket is clamped between the socket and the abutment section by the weight of the container or the torque acting on the container.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWeight: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

The abutment section and the socket are preferably designed in such a way that the container can be releasably fastened to the edge of the bucket at an incline towards the interior of the container. The edge of the bucket is clamped between the socket and the abutment section by the weight of the container or the torque acting on the container.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorque: Torque

Data Source

PatentEP3081504B1Container, or canister for the storage and the transport of flowable material and a container system
Publication Date: 2019.06.26 SCHOELLER ALLIBERT GMBH
  • EP3081504B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3081504B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3081504B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A container for storing and transporting free-flowing or free-form material is described, comprising a base, a top, a side wall connecting the base and top, and a spout with a cap, integrally molded onto the top of the container and featuring a pouring opening. According to the invention, a counter-bearing section cooperating with the spout is formed on the top of the container, adjacent to the spout, such that the inverted container can be loosely attached or suspended between the spout and the counter-bearing section in a form-fitting or self-clamping manner against a bucket rim, allowing it to remain in a predetermined, in particular inclined, inverted position.