Deformable Arch Bottom for Plastic Container Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stretch-blown containers experience deformation and instability during hot filling and cooling due to residual stresses and volume changes, leading to handling challenges and increased risk of tipping during transport.
Innovation Solution
A container design with a deformable arch that can adopt two positions, providing increased stability by adjusting its outer and inner seat dimensions and axial offset, allowing it to rest securely on either seat before and after filling, and incorporating a fillet with a specific radius to enhance rigidity and prevent tipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the bottom of the container is made deformable to adapt to liquid retraction during cooling, then the container stability during hot filling is improved, but the handling and transport stability deteriorates due to the deployed bottom position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the bottom of the container deformable with two positions: a deployed position for handling and transport stability, and a retracted position for adapting to liquid retraction during cooling. The bottom can dynamically change its configuration based on the operational stage, resolving the contradiction between transport stability and hot filling stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the bottom of the container is made deformable to adapt to liquid retraction, then the container can accommodate volume changes during cooling, but the manufacturing complexity increases due to additional handling steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by designing the bottom with an automatic reversal mechanism that uses the weight of the liquid itself to force the bottom from the deployed position to the retracted position during filling. This eliminates the need for external tools or complex manual intervention, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining adaptability.
3Shape
If the outer seat diameter is reduced to allow the deformable bottom to extend outward, then the container can achieve the deployed position for stable transport, but the container becomes unstable and prone to tipping during conveyor transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dimensionality change principle by introducing a vertical dimension through the axial offset between the outer seat and the inner seat. The inner seat is positioned at a different vertical level than the outer seat, creating a stepped configuration that provides stable transport surfaces in both deployed and retracted positions, thereby resolving the stability issue.
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 container achieves enhanced stability and reduced risk of tipping during transport by optimizing seat dimensions and arch positioning, ensuring secure handling and storage, while maintaining mechanical rigidity to prevent deformation and cracking.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable arch that extends into the interior of the annular outer seat and which, in a deployed position, extends to the exterior of the container
Data Source
AI summary
Container of plastic material, comprising a body and a bottom extending from a lower end of the container, the body having a diameter C at the junction with the bottom, in which container the bottom has:an annular outer seat having a predetermined transverse dimension B such that:0.95≤BC≤1a deformable arch that extends into the interior of the annular outer seat and which, in a deployed position, extends to the exterior of the container and defines an annular inner seat having a predetermined transverse dimension A such that:1.2≤BA≤1.4