Invertible Base Pressure Panel for Hot-Fill Container Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hot-fill plastic containers face deformation issues due to vacuum forces created when liquid contents cool, as current designs rely on vacuum panels in the sidewalls and flat or recessed base surfaces that inadequately compensate for these forces, affecting container stability and design flexibility.

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 volume and accommodate vacuum forces, allowing the container to be supported by a standing ring in both positions, eliminating the need for additional vacuum compensation structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If vacuum panels are located in the sidewall and flat or recessed base surfaces are used, then the container can accommodate vacuum pressure, but the container deforms and stability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevacuum pressure accommodationVSAvoidcontainer stability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The base surface is inverted from a flat or recessed configuration to a convex configuration that protrudes outward. This inversion allows the base to actively counteract vacuum forces by pushing outward, thereby preventing inward deformation of the container walls while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The base surface geometry is changed from flat/recessed to convex protruding, altering the physical parameter of the container base. This geometric parameter change enables the base to provide outward support against vacuum pressure, resolving the contradiction between vacuum accommodation and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If vacuum panels are located in the sidewall, then vacuum pressure can be accommodated, but design flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevacuum pressure accommodationVSAvoiddesign flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The vacuum compensation function is extracted from the sidewall panels and relocated to the base surface. By taking out this function from the traditional sidewall location and implementing it as a convex base, the design achieves the same vacuum accommodation while gaining freedom in sidewall design and overall aesthetic flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If the base surface is flat or inwardly recessed, then the container structure is simple, but the base cannot adequately compensate for vacuum forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebase structure simplicityVSAvoidvacuum force compensation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The base surface is designed as a dynamic element that can deform outward in response to vacuum pressure. This dynamic convex base surface provides active compensation for vacuum forces, overcoming the limitation of static flat or recessed bases while maintaining relative structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This configuration effectively reduces internal vacuum pressure, enhances container stability, and allows for more design flexibility by eliminating the need for external vacuum compensation structures, thereby preventing deformation and improving handling and storage capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

Once the liquid within the container cools, the volume of the contained liquid reduces, creating a vacuum within the container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal contraction: Thermal Contraction

Implementation Method 2

creating a vacuum within the container that pulls inwardly on the side and end walls of the container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum pressure: Vacuum

Implementation Method 3

The pressure panel can be movable from an initial, outwardly-inclined position, to an inverted, inwardly-inclined position, in order to reduce the volume of the container and accommodate for vacuum forces within the container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure equalization: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11993443B2Method of handling a plastic container having a moveable base

Publication Date: 2024.05.28 CO2 PAC

AI summary

A plastic container comprises an upper portion including a finish defining an opening into the container, a lower portion including a base defining a standing surface, a sidewall extending between the upper portion and the lower portion, the sidewall defining a longitudinal axis, and at least one substantially transversely-oriented pressure panel located in the lower portion. The pressure panel is movable between an outwardly-inclined position and an inwardly-inclined position to compensate for a change of pressure inside the container. The standing surface defines a standing plane, and the entire pressure panel is located between the standing plane and the upper portion of the container when the pressure panel is in the outwardly-inclined position.