Foldable Liquid Container with Reinforcing Lip Tap Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid storage and dispensing devices, such as bag-in-box systems, face issues with deformation during transport and storage, which can damage the inner bag, and the tap is vulnerable to damage due to its concealed and exposed states.
Innovation Solution
A device with a foldable outer container featuring complementary front and rear covers with assembly flanges and holes, forming a reinforcing lip to protect the inner bag and tap, allowing the tap to be pre-assembled or concealed for protection and easy dispensing, while maintaining rigidity and facilitating customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the outer container is made with a simple box-like configuration, then it is easy to manufacture, but it deforms during transfer and storage and may damage the inner bag
Solution Approach 1:
The front cover is divided into multiple flaps (first flap, second flap, third flap) that can be independently folded and positioned. These segmented flaps work together to form a protective structure that reinforces the container while maintaining ease of assembly through simple folding actions without requiring complex joining operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a simple two-dimensional box structure to a three-dimensional reinforced structure by folding flaps inward to form lips that protrude into the container interior. This dimensional change creates additional structural support that prevents deformation during storage and transport while maintaining the same basic box-like exterior form.
2Reliability
If the tap is concealed inside the container, then it is protected from damage, but it cannot be accessed for dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The tap is pre-assembled and positioned within the container during manufacturing, and the front cover is pre-configured with flaps folded to form protective lips. This preliminary action ensures the tap is protected during storage and transport, while the flaps are pre-positioned to allow easy access when needed for dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The front cover flaps are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to be folded inward to protect the tap during storage and then opened or manipulated to provide access to the tap for dispensing. This dynamic structure transitions between protected and accessible states as needed.
3Ease of operation
If the tap is exposed for easy dispensing, then it is accessible, but it is vulnerable to damage from impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The flaps are folded inward to form lips that protrude into the container interior, creating a protective barrier around the tap area before any impact can occur. This beforehand cushioning structure absorbs or deflects potential impacts, protecting the tap from damage while allowing access when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The folded flaps forming lips act as an intermediary protective structure between external impacts and the tap. This intermediate element absorbs the harmful effects of impacts while maintaining the tap's functionality and accessibility for dispensing when required.
4Reliability
If reinforcing structures are added to prevent deformation, then structural stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing structure is merged with the front cover itself rather than being a separate component. The flaps are integral parts of the front cover that are folded to form protective lips, combining the functions of the cover and reinforcement into a single integrated structure, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing structure is formed by folding thin sheet material flaps rather than adding thick rigid reinforcements. These flexible flaps create the necessary structural support through geometric configuration and folding patterns, maintaining structural stability while minimizing added complexity and material usage.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (1) for storing, transporting, and dispensing a liquid, comprising: [a] an outer container (2) formed by a panel (4) made of sheet material with longitudinal folding lines (6) defining side faces (30), transverse folding lines (8) defining flaps (10), the panel (4) itself being foldable forming a hollow prism, [b] a bag (12) with a tap (14) with retention means (16), and [c] a front cover (18) with laterally projecting flanges (22). In the assembled state, the flaps (10) are folded towards the inside of the container (2), parallel to the inner face of the prism to form a front end of the container. Some of the flaps (10) have holes (26). The flanges (22) fit in the holes (26), the front cover (18) being recessed with respect to a plane (P1) passing through the front edge of the container (2) and a reinforcing lip (28) having a depth (H1) being formed. The front cover (18) has a preformed area (24) in which the tap (14) is housed.