Glass Bottle Impact Protection with Segmented Damping Studs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shock protection devices for glass bottles, particularly those containing pharmaceutical products, are inadequate in absorbing impact energy, often leading to breakage and hinder visual inspection of contents, and are not environmentally friendly.

Innovation Solution

A shock protection device comprising two cups, each with a discontinuous circumference and elastomeric studs that allow relative movement during impact, providing enhanced energy absorption and visibility, while being recyclable or biodegradable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a continuous shock absorber travels the circumference of the bottle, then shock protection is provided, but energy absorption is limited due to restricted deformation freedom

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy absorption during impactVSAvoidstructural continuity constraint
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous shock absorber is divided into multiple discrete studs arranged around the circumference of the bottle. Each stud can deform independently, providing greater freedom of movement and energy absorption capability compared to a continuous rigid structure. The studs are spaced apart to allow individual deformation while collectively providing circumferential protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If plastic boxes surround the bottle for protection, then shock absorption is provided, but visual inspection of contents is hindered and the device is expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshock protection capabilityVSAvoidvisual access to contents
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of completely surrounding the bottle with opaque protective material, the invention uses discrete studs that provide shock absorption only at specific contact points around the circumference. This localized approach allows the majority of the bottle surface to remain visible and accessible for inspection, while still providing effective protection at critical impact zones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If thermosetting material is used to shrink around the container, then intimate cooperation between cover elements is achieved, but heat-sensitive medicines are damaged and shock absorption is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment strength between protective elementsVSAvoidheat damage to medicines and insufficient shock absorption
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces expensive, heat-sensitive thermosetting materials with simpler, heat-resistant stud elements that can be attached using heat-resistant adhesives or mechanical means. These studs provide sufficient shock absorption for their intended use lifecycle without requiring the complex shrink-fitting process of thermosetting materials, and they can be easily replaced if needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

The device significantly reduces bottle breakage during falls and allows visual inspection of contents, offering improved ergonomics and environmental sustainability.

Implementation Method 1

the deformation of the studs, preferably elastic, is greater than in the case of a shock absorber continuously traveling the circumference of the bottle so that more energy can be absorbed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3781490B1Impact-protection device capable of being provided on a bottle and impact-resistant container
Publication Date: 2025.07.16 VIRBAC SA
  • EP3781490B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3781490B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3781490B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The invention relates to an impact-protection device for a glass bottle (1) having a body (11), a bottom (10) and a distal portion comprising, in series starting from the body (11), a shoulder (12), a neck (15) and a mouth (16), said device comprising a first cup (2) engaging with the bottom (10) and a second cup (3) engaging with the shoulder (12), each of the cups (2, 3) having an impact-absorbing portion which, following a transverse plane (19), projects beyond an area of largest diameter of the bottle (1), characterised in that the protruding portion of at least one among the first cup (2) and the second cup (3) includes a plurality of damping studs (4) spaced apart from one another.