Bulk Material Container Closure Unit for Existing Emptying Stations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bulk material containers require complex and economically unattractive retrofitting to be compatible with existing emptying stations, limiting their use to pre-equipped containers.

Innovation Solution

A closure unit with a conical closure element and carrier unit, featuring non-destructive attachment and a quick-release system, allowing easy retrofitting to existing containers, and an emptying station with a lifting unit and actuating mechanism for controlled material discharge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a complex locking system and interface are integrated into the bulk material container to enable use with existing emptying stations, then compatibility with emptying stations is improved, but device complexity and retrofitting cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with emptying stationsVSAvoidretrofitting complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closure system is divided into separate functional components: a closure element for sealing the outlet, a carrier unit for mounting on the container, and a quick-release mechanism for actuation. This segmentation allows the closure unit to be designed as a standalone retrofitting component that interfaces with existing emptying stations without requiring complex modifications to the container itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier unit serves as an intermediary component between the closure element and the bulk material container. It provides mounting features (such as threaded holes or clips) that enable attachment to the container outlet while supporting the closure element and quick-release mechanism, thereby facilitating compatibility with existing emptying stations without direct modification of the container structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Extent of automation

If a spring-loaded closing element is used to enable automated actuation by emptying stations, then automation capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomated actuation capabilityVSAvoidclosure system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The quick-release mechanism is designed to be actuated directly by the emptying station's actuating unit without requiring complex spring-loaded systems. The mechanism allows the closure element to be opened and closed through simple mechanical action by the emptying station, eliminating the need for embedded spring mechanisms while maintaining automated actuation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing bulk material containers are retrofitted with appropriate closure systems, then compatibility with emptying stations is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with emptying stationsVSAvoidretrofitting cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The closure system is divided into separate functional components: a closure element for sealing the outlet, a carrier unit for mounting on the container, and a quick-release mechanism for actuation. This segmentation allows the closure unit to be designed as a standalone retrofitting component that interfaces with existing emptying stations without requiring complex modifications to the container itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier unit is designed with universal mounting features (such as threaded holes, clips, or other attachment mechanisms) that can be adapted to different container types and outlet configurations. This universality enables the same closure unit design to be applied to various existing bulk material containers, reducing retrofitting costs and manufacturing complexity while maintaining compatibility with emptying stations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250333237A1Closure unit for a bulk material container, container system, emptying station and container emptying system
Publication Date: 2025.10.30 UCON CONTAINER SYSTEM GMBH
  • US20250333237A1 patent drawing
  • US20250333237A1 patent drawing
  • US20250333237A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Closure unit (24) for a bulk material container (12), comprisinga closure element (26) anda carrier unit (28) with a carrier element (30) and a emptying opening 34 arranged in the carrier element (30) and having a longitudinal axis of the opening (32).wherein the closure element (26) can be moved between a closed position, in which the closure element (26) closes the emptying opening (34), and an open position, in which the closure element (26) at least partially opens the emptying opening (34).wherein the carrier unit (28) has container connecting means (36) for non-destructively detachable arrangement of the closure unit (24) on the bulk material container (12),and container system (10) with such a closure unit,and emptying station (64) for a container system (10),and container emptying system with a container system (10) and an emptying station (64).