Base Cup Alignment Tabs for Upright Pressurizable Containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pressurizable containers with irregular bases face challenges in standing upright on horizontal surfaces due to their design, and existing attachment methods for base cups are either unsightly, costly, or require additional manufacturing steps, while also potentially causing leakage or waste due to dip tube misalignment.

Innovation Solution

A container with a 45-degree bottom cone and a base cup featuring internal mechanical engagement portions that provide a secure, adhesive-free attachment without visible lines, allowing the container to sit upright and maintain pressure resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a hemispherical base is used to resist pressure, then pressure resistance is improved, but the container cannot sit upright on horizontal surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure resistanceVSAvoidability to sit upright

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The base is segmented into two distinct components: a hemispherical bottom portion for pressure resistance and a separate flat base cup for stable upright positioning. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flat base cup is designed to fit over and enclose the hemispherical bottom, creating a nested structure where the curved base is contained within the flat base cup. This nesting arrangement combines the pressure-resistant properties of the hemispherical shape with the stable positioning capability of the flat base.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Strength

If a groove/projection engagement system is used to attach the base cup, then mechanical attachment is achieved, but visible lines or ridges appear at the interface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement features (projections and grooves) are extracted from the external interface and relocated to the internal structure of the base cup. This extraction removes the visible lines from the external surface while preserving the mechanical attachment function internally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement system is localized to specific internal regions of the base cup rather than being distributed across the entire interface. This localized approach allows for functional attachment while maintaining smooth external surfaces for aesthetic purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Shape

If adhesive attachment is used to join the base cup, then a smooth interface is achieved, but additional material cost and manufacturing steps are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface smoothnessVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The base cup's own structural features (integrated projections and grooves) provide the attachment mechanism, eliminating the need for external adhesives. The structure serves its dual purpose of both attachment and maintaining surface smoothness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical engagement system replaces the chemical bonding system (adhesive). Instead of using adhesive chemistry to join the components, purely mechanical features provide the attachment function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If the container uses a dip tube for dispensing, then content dispensing is enabled, but misalignment may cause content waste

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing functionVSAvoidcontent waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The dip tube is pre-positioned and pre-aligned during the base cup attachment process. The mechanical engagement features ensure proper alignment is established before the container is filled and used, preventing misalignment issues later.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement features include asymmetric elements (such as offset projections or keyed structures) that guide the dip tube into its correct position, ensuring proper alignment through geometric constraints rather than relying on precision manufacturing alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS9061795B2Supportable pressurizable container and base cup therefor with alignment tabs

Publication Date: 2015.06.23 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

A container having a curved bottom and base cup which allows the container to stand upright. The container and base cup are fitted together by a mechanical engagement having portions on the container and base cup. The mechanical engagement of the container is disposed within the bottom cone of the container. The mechanical engagement of the base cup is cantilevered from the bottom of the base cup. Such disposition reduces stress at the interface between the side wall of the container and edge of the base, providing for a smoother transition and better appearance. Also, this disposition provides resistance to separation of the container and base cup during drop impact. The bottom of the container may be curved and have a well therein for receiving the contents of the container and a dip tube.