Bulk container for storing free-flowing food
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bulk containers for storing free-flowing foods face challenges in efficient filling and emptying due to mandrel-based designs, inconvenient filling and emptying processes, and suboptimal sealing, which affects the storage space's tightness and food freshness.
Innovation Solution
A bulk container with an elastic cuff that forms a funnel shape for easy filling and a truncated cone shape for controlled dispensing, featuring a sealing element that creates a gas-tight connection and can be easily moved between positions, allowing for improved filling and sealing while reducing oxygen exposure to extend food freshness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a central spike closure is used extending from the bottom through the container, then the container can be sealed, but a significant portion of the filling volume is lost and filling/emptying becomes impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the central spike closure from the container design. Instead, it uses a dispensing opening in the side wall that can be sealed by a closure element, thereby eliminating the volume loss associated with a central spike while maintaining sealing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a vertical closure approach (central spike from bottom to top) to a horizontal closure approach (dispensing opening in the side wall). This dimensional change allows the container to be filled from the top without obstruction while maintaining effective sealing and dispensing functionality.
2Ease of operation
If the container is designed for easy filling by pouring, then filling is simple, but achieving a gas-tight seal becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a closure element as an intermediary component that fits into the dispensing opening. This closure element provides a gas-tight seal when closed, while the opening itself remains accessible for easy pouring filling when the closure is removed or opened.
3Reliability
If a lid-like closure is used that must be completely removed and replaced for filling and emptying, then sealing can be achieved, but the operation becomes inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the closure function into a separate closure element that can be independently attached to or removed from the dispensing opening. This allows the closure to be quickly engaged or disengaged without requiring complete removal and replacement of a lid-like structure, improving operational convenience while maintaining sealing reliability.
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 container facilitates easy and controlled filling and dispensing of free-flowing foods, enhances sealing to minimize oxygen exposure, and extends the shelf life of stored foods by ensuring a secure and efficient sealing mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
The cuff (10) is made of an elastic material that allows the cuff (10) to be pressed into the storage space (18) along the longitudinal axis (16) with its second end (14) and from there also back into the extended position shown can be moved.
Implementation Method 2
Due to the funnel shape, all food particles that hit the sleeve slide towards the opening under the force of gravity and fall from there into the storage chamber.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a bulk container (2) for storing free-flowing foodstuffs, having a base (4), a side wall (6) surrounding a storage space (18), an upper opening (8) and a sealing element (20). In order to improve the filling capacity and the tightness of the storage space of the container, it is proposed that a cuff (10) made of an elastic material be placed on the bulk container (2), the first end (12) of which should be connected to the side wall (6) of the bulk container (2) and whose second end (14) delimits the opening (8) which can be closed with the sealing element (20), the width of the cuff (10) increasing from its first end (12) to the second end (14 ) along the longitudinal axis (16) of the bulk container (2), and wherein the cuff (10) can be pressed into the storage space (18) and pulled out of it again due to the elasticity of the elastic material along the longitudinal axis (16) of the bulk container (2). is.