Thermoformed Container Demoulding Facets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers for gelled dessert creams face challenges in easy demolding due to suction cup effects, requiring expensive and potentially leak-prone designs with breakable or detachable parts to create air intake orifices.
Innovation Solution
A thermoformed container with convex side walls featuring flat facets that form pressure zones near the opening, allowing deformation and air penetration to break the suction effect, facilitating easy demolding without the need for expensive or weak structural modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a breakable section or detachable tab is provided at the bottom to create air intake, then demolding is enabled, but manufacturing cost increases and structural strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming flat facets during the thermoforming process itself, without requiring subsequent operations or additional components. The facets are created as an integral part of the container body during molding, enabling demolding functionality to be built-in rather than added later through breakable sections or detachable tabs
Solution Approach 2:
The container serves itself by using its own structural features (the flat facets on convex portions) to enable demolding. The facets allow air to enter and break the suction effect without requiring external assistance from breakable sections or detachable tabs, making the container self-sufficient for the demolding operation
2Ease of operation
If a breakable section or detachable tab is provided at the bottom to create air intake, then demolding is enabled, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the demolding functionality with the existing container body structure by incorporating flat facets directly into the thermoformed container. This eliminates the need for separate breakable sections or detachable tabs, combining multiple functions (containment and demolding) into a single integrated structure that reduces manufacturing steps and costs
Solution Approach 2:
The flat facets serve multiple functions: they provide structural reinforcement to the container body, create air intake pathways for demolding, and maintain the aesthetic appearance of the container. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated breakable sections or tabs, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost
3Stability of the object's composition
If the suction effect is not broken, then container structure is maintained, but demolding becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific flat facet regions on selected convex portions of the container body, rather than modifying the entire structure. These localized facets are strategically positioned to provide air intake where needed while preserving the overall structural integrity and suction effect in other areas of the container
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
Enables effortless demolding of contents by creating gaps between the container and its contents, reducing the risk of leakage and manufacturing costs while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The flat facet forming a flat area within the convex portion creates a pressure zone. A user wishing to remove the contents of the container can therefore grasp it by its side wall, applying pressure to the facet inwards.
Implementation Method 2
This pressure deforms the convex portion, changing its radius of curvature. This deformation propagates in such a way that gaps are created between the inner face of the side wall and the contents of the container, allowing air to pass through
Implementation Method 3
Generally, the contents of the container, whether it consists of one or more products, tend to adhere to the inner walls of the container due to a suction effect.
Data Source
Figure 1~4B
Figure 5~8
AI summary
The container (10) comprises a thermoformed body (12) having a side wall (12'), a base (14), and an opening (10') opposite the base. The side wall has at least one convex portion (11A, 11C) forming a wedge that extends vertically. The convex portion has at least one facet (13A, 13C) forming a flat surface. Pressure exerted on this facet, located near the opening, tends to deform the side wall to facilitate the release of the container's contents.