Flexible Container Curved Base Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-standing flexible containers (SUPs) face a trade-off between increased aspect ratio for better shelf space utilization and reduced stability and drop strength, making it challenging to maintain performance in retail, commercial, and household environments.
Innovation Solution
A flexible container design featuring a front panel, rear panel, and gusseted side panels with arcuate body seal inner edges and tapered seal inner edges, forming a chamber with a spout and handles for enhanced stability and support, allowing for a higher aspect ratio without compromising stability or drop strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the aspect ratio of the flexible container is increased to improve shelf space utilization and advertising area, then the container height increases, but the stability and drop strength of the container decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature to the base of the flexible container by forming a rounded or domed bottom surface instead of a flat base. This curved geometry distributes stress more effectively and provides a broader contact area with the supporting surface, thereby enhancing stability and drop strength while allowing for increased container height and aspect ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the container base, specifically changing from a flat base configuration to a curved base configuration with specific radius of curvature values. This parameter change fundamentally alters the mechanical properties of the container, improving its ability to withstand drops and maintain stability on retail surfaces while accommodating taller container designs.
2Length of stationary object
If the aspect ratio of the flexible container is increased to improve shelf space utilization and advertising area, then the container height increases, but the drop strength of the container decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature to the base of the flexible container by forming a rounded or domed bottom surface instead of a flat base. This curved geometry distributes stress more effectively and provides a broader contact area with the supporting surface, thereby enhancing stability and drop strength while allowing for increased container height and aspect ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the container base, specifically changing from a flat base configuration to a curved base configuration with specific radius of curvature values. This parameter change fundamentally alters the mechanical properties of the container, improving its ability to withstand drops and maintain stability on retail surfaces while accommodating taller container designs.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides a flexible container. In an embodiment, the flexible container include (A) a front panel, a rear panel, a first gusseted side panel, and a second gusseted side panel. The gusseted side panels adjoin the front panel and the rear panel along peripheral seals to from a chamber. (B) Each peripheral seal has (i) an arcuate body seal inner edge (ABSIE) with opposing ends, (ii) a tapered seal inner edge (TSIE) extending from each end of the body seal. (C) The flexible container includes at least one ABSIE having a radius of curvature, Rc, from 1.0 mm to 300.0 mm.