Metal-Plastic Composite Container for Alcoholic Beverages

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Solution Overview

Problem

Metal containers used for olive oil are not suitable for storing alcoholic beverages as they cause rust formation, which affects the taste and flavor of the beverage, and are not compatible with high water percentage liquids due to internal coating corrosion.

Innovation Solution

A container design comprising a metal first containing element and a plastic second containing element, where the plastic element is introduced into the metal element's cavity, allowing for airtight sealing and preventing corrosion, while maintaining the advantages of metal containers such as protection from light and impacts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If metal containers are used for alcoholic beverages, then light shield and resistance features are improved, but rust formation occurs which affects taste and flavor

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveresistanceVSAvoidrust formation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The container is divided into two separate containing elements: a metal first containing element and a plastic second containing element. The plastic element is introduced into the metal element's cavity, creating a segmented structure where each material serves its optimal function - metal provides strength and light shielding, while plastic prevents rust formation and maintains beverage taste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The plastic second containing element acts as an intermediary barrier between the alcoholic beverage and the metal first containing element. This intermediary layer prevents direct contact between the beverage and metal, eliminating rust formation while preserving the metal container's structural advantages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If internal coatings are applied to metal containers, then corrosion resistance is improved, but oxidation reaction and taste deterioration still occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoidoxidation reaction
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a composite structure combining metal and plastic materials. The metal first containing element provides structural strength and light shielding, while the plastic second containing element provides corrosion resistance and prevents oxidation reactions. This composite approach overcomes the limitations of coated metal containers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If high anti-corrosion metal alloys are used, then corrosion resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-corrosion characteristicsVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using complex high anti-corrosion metal alloys, the invention segments the container into metal and plastic elements. This allows the use of simpler, more cost-effective materials while achieving superior corrosion resistance through the plastic barrier, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The plastic second containing element can be viewed as a disposable protective layer that prevents corrosion of the metal element. This approach uses cheaper materials to achieve the same protective function as expensive anti-corrosion alloys, simplifying manufacturing.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3947187B1A container for liquid food substances, in particular alcoholic beverages
Publication Date: 2025.01.22 ILLVA SARONNO
  • EP3947187B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3947187B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3947187B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A container for liquid food substances, in particular alcoholic beverages, comprising: - a first containing element (1) made of a metal material, comprising: at least one first body (2) suitable to delimit a cavity (4), and a closing part (5) for closing said cavity (4), suitable to be connected to said first body (2) and comprising a through opening (6), wherein said first body (2) and said closing part (5) are both made of a metal material, and wherein said first body (2) and said closing part (5) delimit a containing space (7); - a second containing element (8, 108) made of plastic material for foodstuff, comprising: a first part (9, 109) suitable to be introduced and completely housed in said first containing element (1), in said containing space (7) and said cavity (4); and a neck (10, 110) departing from an upper wall (9A, 109A) of said first part (9, 109) of the second containing element (8, 108), suitable to cross the through opening (6) of the closing part (5) of the first containing element (1), and provided with an outflow part (11, 111) projecting outside said closing part (5) of the first containing element (1), suitable to allow the food substance to flow out of the container, said outflow part (11, 111) having means (12, 112) for removably connecting a cap (13) for tightly sealing the container; wherein both the first (1) and the second (8, 108) containing element are substantially rigid and non-deformable elements having the same three-dimensional shape, in particular a substantially parallelepiped shape.