Base Cup for Pressurizable Container with Mechanical Engagement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pressurizable containers with irregular bases face challenges in sitting 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 posing issues with dip tube positioning and material efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A container with a 45-degree bottom cone and a base cup featuring internal alignment tabs and a mechanical engagement system that provides a secure, adhesive-free attachment without visible lines, allowing the container to sit upright and withstand pressure without additional materials or manufacturing steps.

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 resistanceVSAvoidupright stability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The base is divided into two functional segments: a hemispherical lower portion for pressure resistance and an upright portion for stability. This segmentation allows each portion to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base features an asymmetric design where the hemispherical curve transitions into an upright portion with a specific geometric configuration. This asymmetric shape provides both the pressure distribution benefits of a hemisphere and the upright stability needed for shelf placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Strength

If groove/projection engagement systems are used to attach the base cup, then mechanical attachment strength is improved, but visible lines and ridges appear at the interface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidsurface smoothness

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement features are localized to specific regions of the base cup and container interface, concentrating the mechanical attachment function in discrete zones while maintaining overall surface smoothness in visible areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement system utilizes three-dimensional interlocking features that distribute attachment forces across multiple depths and angles, reducing the prominence of surface lines and ridges from a two-dimensional viewing perspective.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If adhesive attachment is used to join the base cup to the container, then attachment reliability is improved, but material cost and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive bonding system is replaced with a purely mechanical interlocking system featuring protrusions and recesses that provide reliable attachment through physical engagement alone, eliminating the need for additional adhesive materials and application steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The base cup and container are designed with self-aligning and self-securing mechanical features that automatically engage and maintain attachment without requiring external adhesives or additional manufacturing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Loss of substance

If thin walls are used to reduce material cost, then material efficiency is improved, but pressure withstanding capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial efficiencyVSAvoidpressure withstanding capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The hemispherical base curvature provides superior pressure distribution compared to flat bases, allowing thin-walled construction while maintaining pressure withstanding capability. The curved geometry efficiently transfers internal pressure forces away from critical stress points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The base cup and container are constructed from composite or multi-layer materials that combine structural strength with material efficiency, providing pressure resistance with reduced wall thickness compared to homogeneous materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS8439223B2Base cup for a supportable pressurizable container

Publication Date: 2013.05.14 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.