Keg Container Base Support Snap-Fit Assembly

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current keg designs require complex and costly production processes due to irreversible coupling between the container and base support, making component replacement difficult and prone to damage during handling and storage.

Innovation Solution

A keg design featuring a container with a partly rounded bottom wall and anchoring means, paired with a base support having a cradle with connection means that allow for a stable yet removable connection, utilizing grooves and protruding portions for easy assembly and disassembly, facilitating weight distribution and improved stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the container and base support are coupled by gluing or welding, then the connection is irreversible and secure, but the production process becomes complex and component replacement becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidproduction process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The keg is divided into separable components (container and base support) that can be easily assembled and disassembled through a snap-fit mechanism with anchoring means and connection elements, eliminating the need for complex gluing or welding processes while maintaining secure connection during use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection between container and base support transitions from a static irreversible bond to a dynamic reversible connection that can be easily assembled and disassembled, allowing for flexible production and component replacement while maintaining stability during operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the container and base support are coupled by gluing or welding, then the connection is secure, but component replacement becomes difficult and risky

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidcomponent replacement ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The keg is designed as separable components with a simple snap-fit connection mechanism, allowing individual components to be easily replaced without specialized tools or complex procedures, while the connection remains secure during normal use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base support and container are designed as disposable or easily replaceable components with a simple connection system, allowing for economical replacement when damaged without requiring complex repair processes or specialized skills

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Device complexity

If the base support has a narrow contact area, then the structure is simpler, but the stress distribution is poor and stability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebase support structure simplicityVSAvoidcontainer positioning stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The base support integrates multiple functions into a single component: providing structural support, distributing weight through an enlarged contact area, enabling stacking through specific geometric features, and facilitating assembly through the snap-fit mechanism, thereby achieving both simplicity and enhanced stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4095055B1Keg for liquids and corresponding production method
Publication Date: 2024.05.15 COVI EMANUELA
  • EP4095055B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4095055B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4a
  • EP4095055B1 patent drawingFigure 5a~6

AI summary

Keg (10) for liquids comprising a container (11) having a lateral wall (12) ending in an at least partly rounded bottom wall (13), and a base support (15) having a containing cradle (16) mating in shape with said bottom wall (13) in order to support said container (11) in a stable position. The present invention also concerns a method for producing said keg.