Double-Walled Metal Container Interlocking Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing metal containers do not effectively create a double-walled structure that enhances thermal insulation and structural integrity while allowing for easy interlocking and closure mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A method involving interlocking two containers of different diameters, where one is inserted into the other, with expansions and narrowing processes to form a double-walled container, including curling and seaming of edges, and optionally ribbing for added rigidity and thermal transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single-walled container is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the thermal insulation performance is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing one container inside another container, creating a double-walled structure where the inner container is nested within the outer container. This nested configuration provides thermal insulation through the air gap between walls while maintaining manufacturing simplicity by using standard container forming processes for each wall separately.
2Temperature
If a double-walled structure is created, then thermal insulation is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the interlocking mechanism with the container structure itself by forming engagement features (such as flanges, ribs, or interlocking edges) as integral parts of the container walls during the forming process. This combining of the interlocking function with the structural walls reduces overall structural complexity compared to using separate fastening components.
3Strength
If containers are interlocked by expansion and narrowing, then the interlocking strength is improved, but the manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming engagement features (such as flanges, ribs, or interlocking edges) on the containers before the interlocking operation. These features are created during the initial container forming process, so that when containers are joined, the interlocking strength is enhanced without requiring complex real-time manufacturing operations.
4Strength
If edges are curled and double-seamed, then the structural integrity is improved, but the manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple edge treatment operations (curling and double-seaming) into integrated forming steps that are combined with the container shaping process. By combining these operations that enhance structural integrity with the existing forming machinery and process sequences, the additional manufacturing time is minimized while still achieving the desired edge strength and seal quality.
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 method results in a double-walled container with improved thermal insulation and structural integrity, as demonstrated by reduced heat transfer rates compared to single-walled containers, and allows for various closure types.
Implementation Method 1
expanding the diameter X of a portion of the first container and narrowing the diameter Y of a portion of the second container
Implementation Method 2
curling a top edge of the first container
Implementation Method 3
double-seaming a top edge of the first container
Data Source
AI summary
A double-walled container and method of manufacturing are disclosed. A first container having a smaller diameter than a second container is inserted into the second container. A portion of the first container is expanded and/or a portion of the second container may be narrowed so that first and second container is interlocked and form a double-walled container. The first and/or second containers may have ribs. An air gap between the first and second containers provides thermal insulation to contents of the double-walled container.