Double-Walled Liquid Container With Segmented Retaining Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Double-walled liquid containers face challenges in material selection for the outer structure, as materials with good insulation or protective properties are often brittle and poorly moldable, making it difficult to optimize both retention and sheathing functions simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A double-walled liquid container design where the inner and outer side walls are separately optimized, with the outer side wall performing a sheathing function and the retaining structure handling retention, allowing for the use of different materials suited to their respective functions, such as glass for the inner wall and polycarbonate for the outer wall.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the outer structure is made from materials with good protective or insulation properties (such as glass or high-grade steel), then the insulation and protective functions are improved, but the material becomes brittle and poorly moldable, making it difficult to perform the retaining function

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotective or insulation propertiesVSAvoidmoldability and flexibility for retaining function

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The outer structure is divided into two separate components: an outer wall that provides protective and insulation functions, and a retaining structure that provides retention and molding functions. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the container have different material properties optimized for their specific functions. The outer wall uses materials with good insulation and protective properties, while the retaining structure uses materials with good moldability and flexibility. Each local region has the quality needed for its particular role.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If the outer structure performs both sheathing and retaining functions simultaneously, then the device complexity is reduced, but conflicting demands are made on the configuration and material selection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrationVSAvoidmaterial selection flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The functional segmentation of the outer structure into separate sheathing and retaining components resolves the conflict between structural simplicity and material versatility. While the overall device has multiple components, each component has a clear, dedicated function that simplifies its design and material selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining structure serves multiple purposes: it retains the inner container, provides structural support, and enables the use of optimized materials for both protection and retention functions. This multi-functionality compensates for the division into separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If glass is used for the inner wall to optimize food contact properties, then the food safety and ease of cleaning are improved, but the fracture susceptibility increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefood contact safety and cleanabilityVSAvoidfracture resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining structure acts as a protective cushion or shell around the fragile glass inner wall. This pre-established protective layer prevents external impacts from reaching the glass, thereby cushioning it against fracture while allowing the glass to maintain its food-safe properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The inner wall is made of glass specifically in the regions that contact food, where its non-porous and chemically inert properties are most beneficial. The retaining structure provides the mechanical strength and fracture resistance in the regions where structural support is needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9226610B2Double-walled liquid container

Publication Date: 2016.01.05 PI-DESIGN AG

AI summary

The invention specifies a double-walled liquid container having an inner side wall (4), an outer side wall (3), which is arranged outside the inner side wall (4), a retaining structure (1) and a fixing element (6), which is fitted on the retaining structure (1). The inner side wall (4) has an upper edge (41) and delimits an interior (9), which serves for accommodating a liquid. The outer side wall (3) has an upper edge (31) and a lower edge (32). The retaining structure (1) has an inner retaining element (162), in which the upper edge (41) of the inner side wall (4) is retained, and an outer retaining element (161), in which the upper edge (31) of the outer side wall (3) is retained. The fixing element (6) here fixes the lower edge (32) of the outer side wall (3) in relation to the retaining structure (1).