Flexible Bulk Container Shape Retention and Closure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional flexible bulk containers tend to become misshapen when filled with heavy flowable materials and are difficult to close when overfilled, due to the stretching of the fabric and lack of sufficient fabric to secure the zipper closure.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a support sling within the container to maintain the shape and a cord system around the opening that functions as a drawstring to facilitate easy closure, along with optional rigid panels for self-standing configurations and lifting straps for handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If conventional flexible bulk containers are filled with heavy flowable materials, then the container can store and transport the material, but the container becomes misshapen and the opening bows or stretches outward

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebulk material storage capacityVSAvoidcontainer shape retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible bulk container made of fabric material that can deform to accommodate heavy flowable materials while maintaining functionality. The flexible nature allows the container to adapt its shape to the load while still providing containment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The container is divided into multiple panels (front, rear, first side, second side panels) that can independently deform and adjust. This segmentation allows each panel to handle localized stress from the material weight, preventing overall shape distortion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If the container is overfilled or slightly overfilled with material, then the container can maximize its storage capacity, but the zipper closure becomes difficult to close due to excess material and stretched fabric

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebulk material storage capacityVSAvoidclosure operation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The closure system transitions from a static zipper to a dynamic drawstring system with a cord and sliding mechanism. This allows the closure to adapt dynamically to varying fill levels, enabling easy closure even when overfilled by adjusting the cord tension and sliding the cord lock.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The closure mechanism changes its operational parameters based on fill level. The drawstring system allows the effective closure position to move along the cord length, and the cord lock can be positioned at different locations to accommodate different amounts of material, maintaining ease of operation across various fill conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11932482B1Flexible bulk container

Publication Date: 2024.03.19 MHF PACKAGING SOLUTIONS LLC

AI summary

Various embodiments of a flexible bulk container are disclosed having a number of innovative features. In one embodiment, the flexible bulk container includes an enclosure defining an interior volume in which a support sling is located. The support sling helps prevent the shape of the container from deforming as it is filled with bulk material. In another embodiment, the flexible bulk container includes an opening in the top through which it can be filled with material. A cord is coupled to the top around the opening and can operate as a drawstring to close the opening.