Keg Carrying Ring With Pivoting Handle for Stackable Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carrying devices for kegs, such as beer containers, face issues with stackability and material efficiency, as they often require more material and have insecure fastening mechanisms, leading to difficulties in stacking and reusability.
Innovation Solution
A combination of a keg and a carrying device featuring an annular bead on the keg's top with a ring-shaped base and clips for secure attachment, allowing the handle to pivot within the plane of the insert ring, enabling easy stacking and one-handed carrying, while being made from cost-effective thermoplastic materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a carrying device with handle is attached to the top of a keg, then the keg can be carried comfortably with one hand, but the stackability of the kegs deteriorates due to increased height and interference with stacking interface
Solution Approach 1:
The carrying handle is designed to be movable relative to the ring-shaped base, allowing it to pivot between a horizontal transport position and a vertical stacking position. This dynamic configuration enables the handle to adapt to different operational states: during transport it provides ergonomic handling, during stacking it retracts to maintain proper keg alignment and interface contact
Solution Approach 2:
The carrying device is designed with a ring-shaped base that fits within the annular bead structure of the keg top, and the handle pivots within the plane of this ring. When stacked, the carrying device of one keg nests within the structural envelope of the keg above, with the handle completely accommodated within the circumference of the flanged edge, maintaining the original stacking interface
2Device complexity
If simple carrying devices with articulated handles are used, then the structure is simple and space-saving, but the fastening mechanism becomes insecure and attachment reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening function is merged with the ring-shaped base structure itself. The base incorporates multiple attachment points integrated into its circumferential structure, eliminating the need for separate fastening components. This unified design maintains structural simplicity while providing multiple distributed attachment points that collectively enhance fastening security and load distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism is segmented into multiple discrete attachment points distributed around the circumference of the ring-shaped base. Each attachment point provides independent fastening capability, and the collective effect of multiple points creates a secure, redundant fastening system that distributes mechanical loads evenly around the keg opening
3Ease of operation
If conventional carrying handles are attached to kegs, then carrying functionality is provided, but material consumption increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The carrying device utilizes a thin-walled ring-shaped base structure that provides sufficient mechanical strength for attachment and handle support while minimizing material volume. The structure employs optimized wall thickness distribution and geometric reinforcement to achieve high strength-to-weight ratio, reducing material consumption while maintaining carrying functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The ring-shaped base serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the structural framework for attachment to the keg, acts as the mounting platform for the carrying handle, defines the geometric envelope for handle movement, and provides the interface for fastening mechanisms. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate structural components, reducing overall material consumption
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 stackability and reusability of kegs with a space-saving design, ensuring secure attachment and comfortable one-handed carrying, maintaining the kegs' original stacking interface without increasing height when stacked.
Implementation Method 1
The articulated attachment of the carrying handle is formed by two attachment sections which are present on the opposite sides of the inner circumference of the insert ring and which each have a hinge which is connected to one end of the carrying handle
Implementation Method 2
clips arranged on an outer circumference of the insert ring and which each have a clip opening which opens to a side pointing away from the handle side of the carrying device and having internal engagement means adapted to be brought into retaining engagement with the beaded rim of the top of a keg
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3c
Figure 3d~3e
AI summary
The handling cradle (1) has an annular base at which a carrying handle (2) is articulated secured and three attaching units are arranged for fastening the cradle. The annular base is designed with a depositor ring (3) inlaid into a flanged rim (22) at a top face (21) of a firkin (20). The hinges (4) are arranged at opposed sides of the ring and are connected with ends of the handle. The hinges are arranged for enabling the pivoting of the handle in a plane of the ring such that the handle is received completely in the plane of the ring in a non-use arrangement.