Blow Molded Container Reinforcing Strut for Top Load Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
PET plastic containers manufactured using extrusion blow molding lack sufficient column strength, particularly in the upper regions adjacent to the finish portion, which can lead to structural integrity issues when stacked or subjected to vertical forces, and existing designs may interfere with drainage processes.
Innovation Solution
A blow molded PET container with a reinforcing strut in the upper surface adjacent to the finish portion, fabricated from extrudable PET materials using the extrusion blow molding process, which enhances column strength without compromising drainage efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If the sidewall is made thinner to minimize material costs, then material cost is reduced, but column strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The upper surface is segmented into multiple struts rather than being a continuous structure. This segmentation allows material to be strategically placed only where structural support is needed, reducing overall material usage while maintaining column strength in the thin-walled container.
Solution Approach 2:
The container wall thickness is optimized locally: thinner walls in regions where strength is less critical and thicker walls or reinforced structures (struts) in regions requiring structural support. This local quality variation reduces total material cost while maintaining necessary column strength.
2Strength
If structural reinforcement is added to improve column strength, then column strength is improved, but drainage efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The struts are designed with varying local qualities: they provide structural reinforcement in the upper surface while incorporating drainage channels in specific locations. This allows the same structure to simultaneously improve column strength and maintain drainage efficiency by directing fluid flow through integrated channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The struts serve multiple functions: they provide structural support to improve column strength, define drainage channels for efficient fluid drainage, and contribute to the overall container shape. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the reinforcement structure itself facilitate drainage rather than hinder it.
3Adaptability or versatility
If extrusion blow molding is used instead of stretch blow molding, then manufacturing versatility is improved, but column strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The upper surface is divided into multiple struts that provide structural reinforcement. This segmentation compensates for the generally lower column strength of extrusion blow molded containers by strategically placing support elements, thereby enabling the use of versatile extrusion blow molding while maintaining adequate strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The container combines different structural elements: the main container body from extrusion blow molding and the reinforced upper surface with struts. This composite structure integrates the manufacturing versatility of extrusion blow molding with the enhanced column strength provided by the strut reinforcement.
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 reinforcing strut significantly improves the top load strength of the container while maintaining efficient drainage, allowing for the use of thinner sidewalls and reducing material costs without compromising structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a reinforcing strut defined in the upper surface adjacent to the finish portion
Implementation Method 2
a drainage channel defined in the upper surface, the drainage channel being in communication with the finish portion
Data Source
AI summary
A blow molded plastic container includes a main body portion having an upper surface and a finish portion that extends from the upper surface. A reinforcing strut is provided on the upper surface of the main body portion adjacent to the finish portion for providing increased structural rigidity and top load strength to the container. The reinforcing strut may be fabricated in a manner that promotes drainage of fluid from the container, such as by defining a downwardly sloping inner channel that leads to the finish portion when the container is inverted.