Deep-Set Invertible Base for Hot-Fill Plastic Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hot-fill plastic containers face deformation issues due to vacuum pressures created when liquid contents cool, as current vacuum panels in the sidewalls and flexible base regions are insufficient to adequately compensate for these forces, leading to structural deformation and design limitations.
Innovation Solution
A polymeric container with a deeply set, invertible pressure panel in the base that moves from an outwardly-inclined to an inwardly-inclined position to reduce the container's volume and accommodate vacuum forces, allowing the container to be supported by a standing ring regardless of the panel's position, and is formed through a blow molding process with specific angles and geometries to enhance vacuum compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vacuum panels are located in the sidewall and flexible base region, then vacuum pressure compensation is provided, but the container structure becomes complex and requires additional reinforcing structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the vacuum compensation function with the base structure by integrating a flexible base region that can deflect inwardly. This base region is connected to the sidewall vacuum panels, merging the base and sidewall functions into a unified vacuum compensation system, thereby reducing the need for separate reinforcing structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible base region serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the container, acts as a vacuum compensation mechanism, and works in conjunction with the sidewall vacuum panels. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components.
2Reliability
If the base surface is made flat or inwardly recessed, then vacuum compensation is attempted, but the container cannot be adequately supported and deforms under vacuum forces
Solution Approach 1:
The base surface is designed to be dynamically adaptable rather than static. The flexible base region can deflect inwardly in response to vacuum pressure, providing the necessary compensation while maintaining support stability. This dynamic response allows the base to adjust to varying vacuum conditions without compromising container stability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the container is constructed rigidly enough to resist vacuum forces, then deformation is prevented, but the container cannot adequately compensate for vacuum pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the base region by making it flexible rather than rigid. This flexibility allows the base to deflect and compensate for vacuum pressure while the overall container structure maintains sufficient rigidity to prevent deformation. The flexible base region can adapt its shape in response to vacuum forces.
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 effectively reduces internal vacuum pressures and prevents deformation, allowing the container to maintain structural integrity and design flexibility by ensuring the pressure panel is always fully supported, thus enhancing the container's ability to withstand vacuum forces without additional stabilizing devices.
Implementation Method 1
Once the liquid within the container cools, the volume of the contained liquid reduces, creating a vacuum within the container that pulls inwardly on the side and end walls of the container
Implementation Method 2
Once the liquid within the container cools, the volume of the contained liquid reduces
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method of processing a plastic container having a longitudinal axis is disclosed. The method includes: blow-molding a plastic container having an upper portion including a finish, a sidewall, a lower portion including a base defining a standing surface, and a substantially transversely oriented pressure panel having an inner annular wall and a central push-up portion located in the base, wherein a base mold portion is displaced longitudinally with respect to first and second side mold portions to form the pressure panel set above the standing surface; introducing heated liquid contents into the plastic container with the pressure panel located in an outwardly-inclined position entirely between the standing surface and the upper portion; capping the plastic container; and, moving the pressure panel to an inwardly-inclined position entirely between the standing surface and the upper portion.