Hot-fill Container with Interchangeable Dome and Sidewall Bumpers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hot-fill containers face deformation due to negative pressure generated during the cooling of filled liquids, which is not adequately addressed by traditional flex panels, and the restrictive geometry of machinery contact points limits design variability, especially for containers with domes.
Innovation Solution
A hot-fill container design featuring interchangeable dome structures with specific bumper portions for contact points, allowing for varied geometries and improved structural integrity, including a top portion with bumper sections and a base portion with additional bumper sections for stable gripping during processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional flex panels are used to compensate for negative pressure, then the container can accommodate volumetric changes, but the container deforms under high levels of negative pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The container sidewall is divided into multiple discrete vacuum panels rather than using traditional continuous flex panels. Each panel is independently structured to resist negative pressure, with the panels arranged in a pattern that distributes stress throughout the container body, preventing localized deformation while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum panels are designed with specific local geometric features including curved surfaces and reinforcement ribs positioned at critical stress points. These localized structural enhancements allow the panels to withstand high negative pressure without deforming, while other portions of the container maintain their intended shape.
2Ease of operation
If contact points are located on the body of the container, then the fill machinery can grip the container, but the geometry and shape of containers with domes are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The contact points are relocated from the horizontal body surface to the vertical sidewall regions, utilizing a different spatial dimension for gripping. This allows the dome portion to maintain its aesthetic and functional integrity while providing adequate contact surfaces on the sidewalls for machinery operation during filling.
Solution Approach 2:
The container design incorporates standardized contact point features that can be replicated across different container variants with domes. These recurring geometric elements ensure consistent machinery interaction while allowing variation in dome shapes and sizes, enhancing design versatility.
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 design effectively accommodates thermal contraction and maintains structural integrity, enabling more design flexibility and operational efficiency in manufacturing while preventing container deformation.
Implementation Method 1
As the liquid stored in the container cools, thermal contraction occurs resulting in a reduction of volume. This results in the volume of liquid stored in the container being reduced. The reduction of liquid within the sealed container results in the creation of a negative pressure or vacuum within the container.
Data Source
AI summary
A hot-fill container has a body portion that may utilize interchangeable dome-like top portion. A top portion is located above the body portion and has a bumper portion located thereon. A bottom portion is located below the body portion and has a bumper portion located thereon.