Collapsible Container Base with Troughs for Fluid Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Collapsible containers used for meat and poultry packages face issues with fluid leakage during transit, which can lead to foodborne illnesses due to existing designs that lack effective fluid retention and protection for the products.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible container design featuring a base with longitudinal and lateral drainage channels lower than the support surfaces, along with L-shaped troughs and side troughs that prevent fluid from leaking and protect the products from damage by eliminating sharp edges and ribs, ensuring efficient fluid retention and safe stacking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the base includes openings for ventilation and drainage, then airflow and fluid drainage are improved, but fluid leakage and contamination risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base is segmented into multiple functional zones: elevated product support surfaces, intermediate drainage channels with openings, and lower fluid collection troughs. This segmentation allows different regions to perform different functions - support, drain, and collect - preventing uncontrolled leakage while maintaining ventilation.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage channels act as an intermediary structure between the product support surfaces and the external environment. They provide controlled pathways for fluid removal through regulated openings, mediating between the need for drainage and the risk of contamination.
2Strength
If the base includes hard edges or ribs for structural support, then structural strength is improved, but product damage and leakage risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base features curved transition zones and rounded edges instead of sharp angles. The support surfaces, drainage channels, and troughs are formed with smooth contours that eliminate stress concentration points, maintaining structural integrity while preventing product damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The base utilizes a molded shell structure with integrated reinforcement that provides structural strength without requiring internal ribs or edges. The continuous curved surfaces of the shell distribute loads effectively while maintaining a smooth interior that protects products.
3Reliability
If the container is designed for full fluid retention, then fluid leakage is prevented, but drainage and ventilation functionality is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the base have different permeability characteristics. The product support surfaces are substantially impermeable for retention, the drainage channels have controlled openings for drainage, and the troughs provide collection. This local differentiation allows simultaneous retention and drainage functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage channels convert the potentially harmful effect of fluid accumulation into a beneficial drainage function. Openings in the channels allow controlled fluid removal while the overall structure maintains retention capability, turning the leakage risk into an active drainage feature.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible container includes a base having a base wall with a plurality of support surfaces separated by a longitudinal drainage channel and a plurality of lateral drainage channels intersecting the longitudinal drainage channel. The drainage channels are lower than the support surfaces. The base wall does not include any openings therethrough, so the drainage channels retain fluid leaking from products or packages in the container. The base may further include a plurality of troughs proximate edges of the base. The plurality of troughs are lower than the drainage channels. Walls are pivotably mounted to the base and are pivotable between an upright position and a collapsed position.