Shaped Metal Vessel Carry Ring Isolates Column Load

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing product packaging designs face challenges with deformation or crushing under high column loads during closure application, leading to increased material usage and costs, as well as limitations in design options due to thicker walls required for support.

Innovation Solution

The method involves forming a shaped metal vessel with an integral carry ring to isolate column loading between the open end and the carry ring, allowing for thinner walled vessels that can withstand high loads without deformation, using techniques like blow molding and embossing to create iconic designs with reduced material costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If thicker walls are used to support column loads, then the packaging can withstand high loads without deformation, but more material is used which raises the cost of the packaging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolumn load resistanceVSAvoidmaterial usage
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the packaging structure into distinct functional zones: a reinforced top portion (shoulder and closure area) that bears the column load, and a thinner-walled body portion that contains the product. The carry ring is positioned to isolate and concentrate the closure application forces on the reinforced top portion, preventing these forces from being transmitted to the thinner-walled body sections. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging employs non-uniform wall thickness distribution, with thicker walls localized to the top portion (shoulder and closure area) where column loads are applied, and thinner walls in the body portion where only product containment is required. This local quality optimization ensures structural strength is concentrated where needed while minimizing overall material usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If thicker walls are used to support column loads, then the packaging can withstand high loads without deformation, but the packaging is more difficult to shape which limits design options

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolumn load resistanceVSAvoidshaping difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The manufacturing process is segmented into distinct stages: forming the thin-walled body portion first through processes like blow molding or drawing, then adding the thick-walled top portion and carry ring structure separately. This allows the body to be shaped with ease using thin material, while the reinforced top portion is added subsequently to provide the necessary load-bearing capacity without complicating the overall shaping process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The thin-walled body portion is formed first through conventional shaping processes that are easy to perform with thin material. The reinforced top portion and carry ring are then added in subsequent operations after the body shape is established. This preliminary action allows the majority of the packaging to be manufactured with ease before the load-bearing components are integrated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Quantity of substance

If thinner walls are used to reduce material costs, then the packaging cost is reduced, but the packaging deforms or crushes under high column loads during closure application

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial usageVSAvoidcolumn load resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging structure is segmented into a thin-walled body portion for product containment and a reinforced top portion with carry ring for load bearing. The carry ring is strategically positioned to isolate closure application forces to the reinforced top portion, preventing force transmission to the thin-walled body sections. This allows the body to use minimal material while the top portion provides the necessary strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The carry ring acts as an intermediary structure that mediates between the closure and the packaging body. It captures and isolates the column loads generated during closure application, preventing these forces from being transmitted to the thin-walled body portions. This intermediary structure enables the use of thinner walls in the body while maintaining overall structural integrity under load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2499049B1Method of isolating column loading and mitigating deformation of shaped metal vessels
Publication Date: 2019.06.12 THE COCA COLA CO
  • EP2499049B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2499049B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~3B
  • EP2499049B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method of isolating column loading and mitigating deformation of shaped metal vessels, the method comprising forming a cylindrical metal tube into a shaped metal vessel, the shaped metal vessel comprising a sealed end, an open end, and an integral carry ring proximate the open end. Column load is isolated between the open end and the carry ring by supporting the shaped metal vessel by the carry ring. The shaped metal vessel is sealed with a closure, wherein deformation of the shaped metal vessel between the sealed end and the carry ring due to column load is minimized during application of the closure.