Self-Supporting Cover for IBC Outlet Valves
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC) have poor dust-tightness due to loose flap-like covers, require manual handling, and are prone to damage during use, necessitating impractical replacement solutions when damaged.
Innovation Solution
A container with a pivotable cover featuring a bistable film hinge that automatically locks into an open position, allowing for self-supporting operation and easy replacement, ensuring reliable access to outlet valves without manual intervention and preventing accidental closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a loose flap-like cover is used on the outlet recess, then the structure is simple, but dust-tightness is poor and the cover cannot be held in open position
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly automatically locks the closure portion in the open position without requiring manual intervention. The locking mechanism engages autonomously when the closure portion is pivoted to the open position, allowing the cover to hold itself open and eliminating the need for continuous manual support.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the need for complex manual locking mechanisms with a simplified hinge assembly that uses elastic deformation and geometric interlocking. The hinge assembly incorporates a locking element that engages with a corresponding feature on the container, providing automatic positioning and holding functionality.
2Ease of operation
If the cover is manually held in open position, then simple structure is maintained, but only one hand remains for operating the valve
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly's locking mechanism automatically engages when the closure portion is pivoted to the open position, enabling the cover to hold itself open without requiring the user to manually support it. This frees both hands for operating the outlet valve or performing other tasks.
3Ease of operation
If the cover is completely removed to access the outlet valve, then full access is achieved, but the cover must be manually placed back and stowed away
Solution Approach 1:
The closure portion is designed to be dynamically pivotable between closed and open positions through the hinge assembly. This allows the cover to remain attached to the container while providing full access to the outlet valve when opened, eliminating the need to completely remove and store the cover separately.
4Reliability
If a locking device is provided on both container and cover, then secure locking is achieved, but replacement becomes impractical when damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is designed as an integrated unit with the cover, allowing the entire assembly to be replaced as a single component. The locking mechanism is configured so that the closure portion can be detached from the container without damaging the locking features on the container, enabling easy replacement of the cover while maintaining secure locking functionality.
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 solution provides improved handling and dust-tightness by automatically opening the cover for easy access to outlet valves, allowing both hands for operation and simplifying replacement, reducing the risk of accidental closure and damage.
Implementation Method 1
The hinge assembly is configured to hold or lock the closure portion in the second position releasing the outlet recess in a self-supporting manner
Implementation Method 2
the hinge assembly is configured as a curved film hinge which, depending on its relative position with respect to a pressure point, is prestressed either into the first position closing the outlet recess, or into the second position releasing the outlet recess
Data Source
AI summary
A container for transporting and storing liquid, viscous or pourable substances, in particular a container of the Intermediate Bulk Container type. The container has a base, a side wall, and at least one outlet recess in the base and/or the side wall, in which an outlet valve is or can be arranged and which is closable on the outside of the container by a cover. The cover has a base section, by which the cover is fastened or fastenable to the container, and a closure section which is hinged on the base section via a hinge assembly such that it can pivot about a rotational axis. The hinge assembly can hold or lock the closure section in a self-supporting manner in a position releasing the outlet recess.