Container Corner Crumple Zones for Drop Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional containers are prone to tearing and damage when dropped due to the concentration of force at their corners, leading to potential spills and damage, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of foldable sheets with weakened regions or crumple zones at the corners, formed by weakened lines such as creases, cuts, or tear seams, which absorb drop forces and deform to reduce the risk of tearing upon impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional containers are used without weakened regions, then the container structure is simple and strong, but the container is prone to tearing and damage when dropped due to force concentration at corners
Solution Approach 1:
The container structure is segmented by introducing weakened lines that divide the corner regions into distinct zones. These weakened lines create separate crumple zones that can deform independently, allowing the container to absorb impact forces through controlled segmentation rather than as a monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The container structure is modified locally at the corner regions by adding weakened lines only in specific areas where impact forces are most concentrated. The rest of the container maintains its original strong structure, while the corner regions have localized weakened zones designed to deform preferentially during drops.
2Reliability
If weakened lines are added to create crumple zones, then drop force absorption is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The weakened lines are pre-formed on the sheet during the manufacturing process, creating predetermined crumple zones before the container is assembled. This preliminary action ensures that the energy-absorbing features are already in place and properly positioned, eliminating the need for additional post-assembly modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The material properties are modified locally along the weakened lines by changing parameters such as thickness, density, or structural configuration. This creates zones with different mechanical properties that are easier to deform, allowing the crumple zones to form with less force and simpler manufacturing processes.
3Strength
If the container structure is made more robust to prevent tearing, then strength is improved, but the ability to absorb drop forces through deformation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into strong structural regions and weakened crumple zones. The majority of the container maintains high strength for normal handling, while the corner regions are segmented into weaker zones that can deform to absorb impact energy, creating a dual-character structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the container have different mechanical qualities: the main body and sides maintain high strength and rigidity, while the corner regions have locally reduced strength through weakened lines, allowing them to deform preferentially during drops while the rest of the container remains intact.
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 deformation of weakened regions effectively absorbs drop forces, preventing container tears and maintaining the integrity of the contents, even when the container is dropped, thereby reducing the likelihood of spills and damage.
Implementation Method 1
One or more of the four bottom corners may comprise a weakened region configured to deform and absorb drop forces resulting from the container being dropped
Data Source
AI summary
Containers having weakened regions in one or more corners to prevent or inhibit container damage and related methods. In some embodiments, the container may comprise a bottom wall and one or more bottom wall corners defined in part by the bottom wall. Weakened regions or crumple zones may be positioned about one or more such corners. In some embodiments, the weakened region(s) may comprise weakened line(s) circumscribing the bottom wall corner(s) that may be configured to deform and absorb drop forces resulting from the container being dropped to reduce the possibility of the drop forces tearing the container.