Hot-Fillable Container Base with Tapered Radial Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Plastic blow-molded containers used for food packaging deform under high temperatures employed during fill and pasteurization, leading to potential distortion and loss of shape.
Innovation Solution
A plastic, hot-fillable container with a blow molded body featuring a neck and a base with a center portion and spaced apart radial segments, where at least a portion of each segment is tapered from the outer side to the inner side, allowing the base to move outward and inward to prevent deformation during pressure and vacuum applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional blow-molded containers are used for food packaging, then they can be manufactured easily and cost-effectively, but they deform under high temperatures during fill and pasteurization
Solution Approach 1:
The base is divided into multiple radial segments that can move independently relative to each other and to the side wall. This segmentation allows the base to flex and adapt to pressure changes during filling and pasteurization, preventing deformation of the overall container structure while maintaining shape stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The base is designed as a dynamic structure with movable segments rather than a rigid fixed base. The segments can move outward and inward in response to pressure and vacuum conditions during the filling and pasteurization processes, allowing the container to maintain its shape under thermal and pressure stress.
2Reliability
If the base is made rigid to maintain shape, then shape stability is improved, but the container cannot accommodate pressure and vacuum changes during filling and pasteurization
Solution Approach 1:
The base transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure. The radial segments are designed to move outward when pressure is applied during filling and inward during vacuum pasteurization, enabling the container to accommodate pressure changes while maintaining overall shape integrity through the tapered geometry that guides controlled movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The base geometry uses tapered segments that change the mechanical parameters of the structure. The taper from outer side to inner side creates a progressive stiffness variation that allows controlled deformation under pressure while maintaining shape stability, enabling the base to adapt to different pressure conditions during the manufacturing process.
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 container effectively maintains its shape and integrity under high fill and pasteurization temperatures, preventing deformation and ensuring stability, even under vacuum conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The base is movable in an outward and inward orientation relative to the side wall during pressure and vacuum application to prevent the container from deforming
Implementation Method 2
The base is movable in an outward and inward orientation relative to the side wall during pressure and vacuum application to prevent the container from deforming
Implementation Method 3
At least a portion of each segment is tapered from an outer side to an inner side thereof, allowing the base to move outward and inward
Data Source
AI summary
A plastic, hot-fillable container is provided. The container comprises a blow molded body including a neck and a base having a center portion and a plurality of spaced apart radial segments. At least a portion of each segment is tapered from an outer side to an inner side thereof. Container systems and methods of manufacturing containers are disclosed.