Flowable Material Container Outlet with Perforated Rails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bulk containers for flowable materials face contamination issues due to residual material retention around the dispensing outlet, which poses a threat when reusing the container for different materials.
Innovation Solution
The design eliminates the shield plate and incorporates perforated side and end rails with negative beveled reinforcing rib ends, allowing trapped material to fall away from the outlet, preventing accumulation and reducing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a shield plate is used to control flow at the dispensing outlet, then flow control is improved, but residual material accumulation increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the shield plate component entirely from the dispensing outlet structure. Instead of using a shield plate to control flow, the invention uses the natural geometry of the outlet opening and the flowable material's own properties to achieve flow control, thereby eliminating the source of residual material accumulation associated with shield plates
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than adding a shield plate to control flow (adding a component to solve a problem), the invention inverts the approach by removing the shield plate and using the absence of the component combined with strategic web placement to achieve flow control. This inversion eliminates the harmful accumulation effect while maintaining flow control functionality
2Ease of operation
If a shield plate is used to control flow at the dispensing outlet, then flow control is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the shield plate component, directly removing the source of increased manufacturing cost. The flow control function is achieved through the simplified structure of the outlet opening and strategically placed webs, reducing both material and assembly costs
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the flow control function into the structural elements already present in the container (the outlet opening and supporting webs), eliminating the need for a separate shield plate component. This integration reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining flow control capability
3Quantity of substance
If residual material is retained around the dispensing outlet, then flowable material is captured for future use, but contamination risk increases when reusing the container
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of residual material accumulation into a benefit by designing the outlet structure so that any residual material naturally falls away through the strategically placed webs and opening geometry. The structure that could potentially trap material is designed instead to promote complete discharge, turning a contamination risk into a cleanout advantage
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a web structure with strategic openings that allows flowable material to pass through and prevents accumulation. The porous-like structure of the webs with gaps between them enables complete material discharge while maintaining structural support, eliminating contamination risks associated with trapped residual material
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
This solution effectively reduces residual material retention and contamination risks, enhancing the reusability and reliability of bulk containers while lowering manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
allowing trapped material to fall away from the outlet
Data Source
AI summary
The outlet of a flowable material container has a flow cutoff device, which is slidably supported in a frame assembly that comprises two, spaced apart perforated side rails and a perforated end rail. No accumulation shield is used.