Blow-Molded Fluid Container With Integrated Wheels for Bulk Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers for storing and transporting fluid materials face challenges in maneuverability, efficiency in shipping and handling, and durability, particularly when dealing with bulk quantities.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a rectangular body with integrated wheels and a handle, allowing for maneuverability, combined with optional extension handles and various handle attachment methods, including over-molding and frictional engagement, to enhance usability and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional bulk containers are used for storing and transporting fluid materials, then they provide sufficient capacity for bulk storage, but they lack maneuverability and require manual handling which reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the container body, handle, and wheel-axle combination into a single integrated structure. The handle and wheel assembly are formed as one piece with the container body through blow molding, eliminating the need for separate attachment components and simplifying the overall structure while providing maneuverability.
Solution Approach 2:
The container body itself serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, forms the handle through integral formation, and incorporates the wheel-axle assembly within its structure. The rear wall of the container body directly forms the engagement slot and recessed portion that retain the wheel-axle combination, eliminating the need for separate mounting structures.
2Ease of operation
If containers are designed for efficient shipping and handling, then they should be easy to maneuver, but adding handles and wheels may compromise structural integrity and durability
Solution Approach 1:
By forming the handle and wheel-axle assembly as an integral part of the container body through blow molding, the patent ensures that these maneuverability features do not compromise structural integrity. The unified structure eliminates weak points that would arise from attaching separate components, while the thick-walled blow-molded construction maintains durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The container body is designed with distinct functional zones: the main body for fluid storage, the handle portion for maneuvering, and the wheel-axle assembly for rolling movement. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity through the integral formation process.
3Productivity
If a rectangular container design is used for efficient space utilization during shipping, then stacking and storage are improved, but maneuverability may be reduced compared to traditional cylindrical shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the wheel-axle combination directly into the rectangular container body structure. The handle extends from the top wall and connects to the wheel assembly at the rear, creating a unified maneuvering system that works specifically with the rectangular geometry to enable efficient handling and stacking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is designed with pivoting capability, allowing it to rotate relative to the container body. This dynamic feature enables the handle to adapt to different handling positions and orientations, making the rectangular container equally maneuverable as traditional shapes while maintaining its shipping efficiency advantages.
Data Source
AI summary
A blow molded container structure is defined by a rectangular-shaped body having a top, a bottom, and four walls, defining a closed interior volume. The top may include a handle and at least one sealed opening. The rear wall may include an inwardly formed engagement slot, extending transversely across the rear wall. A pair of wheels are provided on opposite ends of a transverse axle. The axle is retained within the engagement slot. The handle may be integrally formed with the container body or separately formed and attached to the body by a number of contemplated means. The handle may further selectively extend from the container body or pivot relative to the top of the container body.