Hemispherical Diaphragm Base for Vacuum-Induced Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current PET containers are prone to damage from internal vacuum during filling and lack a mechanism to induce positive pressure, which can cause denting, and they have a higher weight due to thicker walls to prevent such issues.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a hemispherical actuating diaphragm that moves from an as-blown configuration to an activated configuration, reducing residual vacuum and creating positive pressure within the container by adjusting its shape to align with a target hemisphere, thereby reducing weight and preventing denting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If thicker walls are used to prevent damage from internal vacuum, then container strength is improved, but container weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by incorporating a movable diaphragm base that can transition between different positions. The diaphragm moves from an initial position to a second position in response to internal vacuum pressure, dynamically adjusting the container base to counteract the vacuum forces. This dynamic response allows the container to maintain strength against vacuum without requiring thicker walls, thereby reducing weight while preserving structural integrity.
2Strength
If a mechanism to induce positive pressure is added, then denting is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing the diaphragm base to perform multiple functions simultaneously. The same diaphragm structure that responds to internal vacuum to prevent container damage also induces positive pressure within the container to prevent denting. This multi-functional design prevents denting without adding separate complex mechanisms, thereby maintaining structural simplicity while achieving the desired protective effect.
3Reliability
If the diaphragm is designed to respond to internal vacuum, then container damage is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the parameter changes principle by designing the diaphragm with specific geometric parameters that enable it to respond reliably to internal vacuum. The diaphragm includes a defined curved surface with specific radius of curvature, thickness variations, and attachment characteristics that allow it to flex and move in response to pressure differentials. These parameter optimizations enable the diaphragm to function reliably across manufacturing tolerances without requiring excessive precision, balancing reliability with manufacturability.
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 diaphragm's movement effectively reduces residual vacuum, introduces positive pressure to prevent denting, and allows for lighter weight containers with thinner walls while maintaining performance comparable to heavier containers with internal vacuum.
Implementation Method 1
The diaphragm is configured to move from an as-blown first configuration to a second configuration in which the diaphragm is closer to the first end as compared to the first configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A container including a finish defining an opening at a first end of the container that provides access to an internal volume defined by the container. A base portion of the container includes a diaphragm that is concave relative to an exterior of the container. The diaphragm extends from a standing surface of the container to a center push-up portion of the base portion. The standing surface is at a second end of the container opposite to the first end. The diaphragm is configured to move from an as-blown first configuration to a second configuration in which the diaphragm is closer to the first end as compared to the first configuration in order to reduce residual vacuum within the container. The diaphragm is generally hemispherical in cross-section when in the second configuration.