Detachable Coupling Structure for Beverage Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional beverage containers lack detachable coupling mechanisms, making it difficult to carry multiple containers simultaneously, leading to inefficient recycling and environmental pollution, with existing solutions facing issues such as hygiene concerns, structural weaknesses, and material deformation.
Innovation Solution
The development of complementary detachable coupling structures on opposite ends of containers, where one end has a perimeter structure with a larger inner diameter and the other end has an extended structure with a smaller outer diameter, allowing secure coupling and decoupling without adding material or altering the container's shape, and using flexible protrusions to facilitate easy attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If screw type coupling structures are added to the top and bottom of cans, then detachable coupling capability is achieved, but hygiene problems occur due to contaminants accumulating in thread recesses
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling structure is segmented into a flange portion extending from the can periphery and a locking portion with protrusions, separating the coupling function from the drinking opening area. This segmentation allows the coupling mechanism to be positioned away from the mouth-contact zone, eliminating hygiene concerns while maintaining detachable coupling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling structure is extracted from the traditional screw thread design and repositioned to extend from the can periphery outward. By taking out the coupling mechanism from the top/bottom surfaces and extending it laterally, the design eliminates recesses where contaminants could accumulate, providing a smooth, easy-to-clean surface while maintaining coupling functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If screw type coupling structures are added to cans, then detachable coupling is achieved, but the coupling structures become weak in bending strength and are prone to deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The flange portion is designed with local quality variations - the width and thickness are optimized at different locations. The flange extends sufficiently from the periphery to provide leverage for coupling while maintaining structural integrity. The locking portion with protrusions is strategically positioned to engage with corresponding recesses, creating localized high-strength engagement points that prevent deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling structure employs asymmetric design where the flange portion has different dimensions at its extension versus its base, and the locking portion features protrusions that engage unidirectionally. This asymmetric geometry provides mechanical advantage during coupling operations, distributing stresses more effectively and preventing deformation that would occur with symmetric designs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If L-shaped locking slide slots are formed by slitting the can periphery, then detachable coupling is achieved, but hermetical sealing is compromised due to structural limits of typical cans
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling structure is designed to be dynamic rather than static - the flange portion can flex and deform elastically during the coupling process. This dynamic behavior allows the structure to accommodate the forming of locking engagement points without compromising the overall can integrity or hermetical sealing, as the material returns to its original shape after coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes the geometric parameters of the coupling structure - using a flange that extends from the periphery with controlled width and thickness ratios. These parameter changes allow the structure to achieve sufficient strength for coupling while maintaining the can's hermetical sealing properties, avoiding the need for deep slits that would compromise integrity.
4Loss of substance
If aluminum thin plate is used for can construction, then resource conservation is achieved, but the slot flange becomes prone to bending deformation due to softer material properties
Solution Approach 1:
The flange portion is designed with local quality optimization specific to aluminum thin plate properties. The width and thickness are carefully controlled to provide sufficient stiffness and strength at the coupling location while maintaining overall material efficiency. This localized reinforcement allows aluminum cans to achieve detachable coupling capability without excessive material usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling structure can be formed as a composite feature integrating the flange portion and locking portion as a unified structure with the can body. This composite approach allows the aluminum thin plate to be formed into a complex three-dimensional coupling geometry that provides enhanced strength and deformation resistance while maintaining material conservation principles.
Data Source
AI summary
A container structure is provided for detachable coupling of at least two containers. The detachable coupling structure of a first container includes a top portion with an upstanding perimeter having radial protrusions extending from a surface of the upstanding perimeter, and a container bottom portion having a complementary structure to engage the radial protrusions of the top portion of a second container for the purpose of detachably coupling two or more containers end to end. In one embodiment, two containers placed end to end with their respective structures aligned to be engaged are rotated in opposite directions to fully engage the protrusions of one container with the complementary structure of the other. A rim around the top portion of a container in a second embodiment has a larger diameter than the top portion. The rim may be pushed through a flexible opening into a recess in the bottom of another container.