Plastic Container Groove Eliminates Support Ring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plastic containers, such as PET bottles, require a support ring for handling and manufacturing, which consumes significant plastic material and is only necessary during the manufacturing process, leading to material inefficiencies and potential damage during handling.
Innovation Solution
A container design that eliminates the need for a support ring by incorporating a groove between the base body and the securing ring, allowing for secure gripping and handling without damaging the thread, and using the thread's outer circumference as the securing element, thus reducing material usage and enabling precise gripping at defined heights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a support ring is provided for handling and manufacturing containers, then handling and manufacturing processes are facilitated, but a considerable amount of plastic material is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the support ring from the container structure and replaces it with a groove formed directly in the container wall. The groove serves the same gripping function without requiring additional material, thus eliminating the support ring while maintaining handling capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the support ring function into the container structure itself by forming a groove as an integrated feature of the container wall. This combines the container body and support function into a single structure, eliminating the need for separate support ring material
2Reliability
If a support ring is used for gripping containers, then containers can be handled securely, but the thread may be damaged by engagement means
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a groove as an intermediary structure between the engagement means and the thread. The groove serves as a protective mediator that receives the gripping force, preventing direct contact between the engagement means and the thread, thus protecting the thread from damage while maintaining secure gripping
3Ease of manufacture
If a support ring is provided below the thread, then containers can be handled during manufacturing, but material remains unstretched and material efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the support function into the container wall structure itself through the groove, eliminating the need for a separate support ring. This integration ensures that the container wall is fully utilized and stretched during manufacturing, improving material efficiency while maintaining manufacturing support capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the support ring that caused material inefficiency and replaces it with a groove that provides the same support function without wasting material. The groove is formed as part of the container wall, ensuring optimal material distribution and stretching during the manufacturing process
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~6c
AI summary
Container (1) consisting of a base body (2) and an opening (5), a thread (3) arranged on an outer circumference of the opening (5), wherein a retaining ring (6) extending outwards with respect to the outer circumference of the opening (5) is arranged below the thread (3), and a groove (4) circumferentially at least in sections, wherein the groove is provided between the base body (2) and the retaining ring (6) and has a smaller outer cross-section than the thread (3).