Blow-Molded Plastic Container With Segmented Sidewall Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plastic containers lack ease of product dispensing and convenient handling during preparation and filling cycles, and they are not optimized for lightweight and rapid cycle times in consumer use.
Innovation Solution
A blow-molded plastic container with a generally oval base, cylindrical sidewall, and a neck finish featuring alternating longer and shorter sidewall portions, an integral grip area, and a recessed pour area, facilitating easy handling and dispensing, with a smaller neck opening circumference compared to the base, and a design suitable for polyethylene terephthalate materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional plastic container design is used, then the container structure is simple, but the ease of product dispensing and handling is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The container sidewall is segmented into alternating longer and shorter portions, creating distinct functional zones. The longer portions provide structural integrity while the shorter portions create recessed areas that form grip features, enabling easy handling without complicating the overall container structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The container features localized variations in sidewall height, with specific recessed areas positioned to provide grip features. These local modifications create ergonomic handholds and product dispensing areas without requiring a completely complex redesign of the container structure.
2Productivity
If the container is made lightweight for rapid cycle times, then productivity increases, but the strength and stability of the container may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented sidewall design with alternating longer and shorter portions allows for optimized material distribution. The longer portions can be made slightly thicker for strength while the shorter portions maintain lightweight construction, achieving rapid cycle times without compromising essential container strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The container design incorporates parameter variations in sidewall thickness and height at different locations. By changing these parameters locally, the container achieves optimal strength-to-weight ratio, enabling rapid filling cycles while maintaining structural integrity during handling and storage.
3Ease of operation
If the container includes grip features and recessed areas, then ease of handling is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grip features and recessed areas are merged directly into the container sidewall structure during the blow-molding process. This integration eliminates the need for separate manufacturing steps or additional components, making the complex handling features easy to manufacture as a single integrated piece.
Solution Approach 2:
The alternating longer and shorter sidewall portions serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, create grip features for handling, and form recessed areas for product dispensing. This multi-functionality reduces manufacturing complexity by consolidating several features into a single structural element.
Data Source
AI summary
A blow molded, hollow plastic container including two opposed, relatively longer sidewall portions which alternate with two opposed, relatively shorter sidewall portions. A first of the relatively shorter sidewall portions includes a grip area, and the opposed second relatively shorter sidewall portion includes a pour area.