Flexible Liner Semi-Rigid Container for Adhesion-Free Clay Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current containers for semi-solid materials like modeling clay and gelatin struggle with easy content removal due to adhesion to the interior walls, making it difficult, especially for children.
Innovation Solution
A semi-rigid cylindrical container with a flexible liner that is attached to the top and has an aperture at the bottom, allowing easy extraction by preventing suction and adhesion, constructed from materials like low-density polyethylene or plant-based bio-polyethylene terephthalate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid plastic container is used to hold modeling clay, then the container provides structural support and containment, but the modeling clay adheres to the interior walls making removal difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into two functional parts: a rigid outer container providing structural support and a flexible inner liner that contacts the modeling clay. This segmentation allows each part to perform its optimal function - the rigid container maintains strength while the flexible liner enables easy content removal through deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible liner acts as an intermediary between the rigid container walls and the modeling clay. It prevents direct adhesion between the clay and rigid surface by providing a compliant interface that can deform to release the clay, thus mediating the interaction between structural support and easy removal requirements.
2Reliability
If the container bottom is sealed to prevent leakage, then containment is improved, but suction forms between the container and contents making extraction difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The container bottom incorporates a flexible membrane or thin film structure that can deform under pressure. This flexibility allows the bottom to maintain sealing for leakage prevention while simultaneously enabling the membrane to buckle or deform during content extraction, breaking the suction seal and facilitating easy removal of the modeling clay.
3Ease of operation
If a flexible top is used to access contents, then opening access is enabled, but the top must be removed completely preventing secure closure
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system transitions from a static removable top to a dynamic seal mechanism. The flexible liner incorporates a seal that can transition between open and closed states, allowing easy access when opened while maintaining secure closure when closed. The dynamic sealing mechanism provides both accessibility and security without requiring complete removal of the closure element.
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
Enables effortless removal of contents by simply turning the container over, preventing adhesion and making it suitable for children and other users, while maintaining closure with a removable plastic lid to prevent drying.
Implementation Method 1
allowing easy extraction by preventing suction and adhesion
Data Source
AI summary
The container of the present invention is designed to allow for easy extraction of contents that would normally adhere to the interior walls of current containers by providing a semi rigid cylindrical container having a single continuous side defining cylindrical shape, a top portion wherein at least one flexible liner is attached to the top portion of the container. The container further possesses a bottom portion wherein such bottom portion has at least one aperture.