Vacuum-Absorbing Container Base for Hot-Fill Shape Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional plastic containers face issues with deformation during hot-filling processes due to thermal and pressure differentials, leading to visual unappeal and functional defects, while also being heavy and lacking sufficient structural integrity.

Innovation Solution

A plastic container design featuring a base portion with a radially arranged plurality of ribs, a hinge point, and a domed portion that allows controlled deformation in response to pressure differentials, incorporating a chamber and finish portion for fluid communication, enhancing structural integrity and visual appeal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If conventional vacuum panels and bases are used to accommodate thermal and pressure scenarios, then deformation is reduced, but the container weight increases and structural strength is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer shape stabilityVSAvoidcontainer weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The base is segmented into multiple functional zones: a central domed portion for vacuum accommodation, radial ribs for structural reinforcement, and an active region for controlled movement. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing overall material requirements while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the base are given different properties: the domed portion is thicker and more rigid for vacuum resistance, while the active region is designed to be more flexible for controlled movement. The radial ribs provide localized reinforcement at critical stress points, optimizing strength-to-weight ratio.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If the base portion is made more robust to prevent deformation, then structural integrity is improved, but the container weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebase structural integrityVSAvoidcontainer weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The central domed portion uses a curved spherical geometry to distribute vacuum stresses uniformly across the structure. This curvature provides inherent structural strength without requiring excessive material thickness, as the dome shape naturally resists compression and vacuum pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The base features asymmetric rib placement and varying wall thicknesses concentrated where needed (under the domed portion and at rib intersections). This asymmetric design provides targeted reinforcement without uniformly increasing weight throughout the entire base structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Stability of the object's composition

If the base portion is designed to resist pressure differentials, then deformation is prevented, but the container cannot accommodate thermal expansion and cooling contraction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer shape stabilityVSAvoidthermal expansion accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The active region of the base is designed as a dynamic element that can move vertically in response to pressure differentials. During vacuum conditions, this region moves downward to accommodate volume changes, while during pressurization it moves upward. This dynamic behavior allows the container to adapt to thermal expansion and cooling contraction without permanent deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The base combines multiple functions into a single integrated structure: the domed portion handles vacuum accommodation, the radial ribs provide structural reinforcement, and the active region enables controlled movement. This merging of functions allows the base to simultaneously resist pressure differentials and accommodate thermal changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design effectively accommodates thermal and pressure changes during hot-filling, maintaining container shape and functionality while reducing weight, preventing deformation, and ensuring structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

movement of the base portion is permitted at an active region of the base portion in response to a pressure differential

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS20260001674A1Pressure resistant vacuum absorbing base of container

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 GRAHAM PACKAGING CO LP

AI summary

A plastic container includes a container body having a bottom portion, a sidewall portion, and an upper portion, with a chamber defined therein. The sidewall portion includes at least one circumferential indent. The bottom portion includes a support surface and a base portion including a first and second plurality of ribs and other structures that permit a region of the base portion to move in a dynamic and variable manner in response to certain forces and other conditions present during various fluid processing stages associated with filling, sealing, and cooling the container.