Moulded Pulp Receptacle with Depth Marks and Controlled Pouring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Moulded paper pulp receptacles face challenges such as difficulty in estimating liquid volume, poor liquid control during pouring, and handling issues due to their flimsy nature and deformation when gripped, especially with gloved hands.
Innovation Solution
A moulded paper pulp jug design featuring a flat base, tapered sidewall with integrally-formed projections and indentations for accurate liquid measurement, a v-shaped pouring spout for controlled pouring, and a grip portion with recesses and a stiffening shoulder for secure handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a graduated dipstick is provided to estimate liquid volume, then volume estimation capability is improved, but the estimate remains subjective and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The graduation markings are integrated directly into the sidewall of the receptacle during the moulding process. This merging of the measurement scale with the receptacle structure eliminates the need for separate dipsticks and provides objective, consistent reference points that are permanently fixed to the container, thereby improving measurement accuracy and eliminating subjectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle provides its own measurement capability through integrally formed graduation markings on the sidewall. The structure serves dual purposes: containing liquid and providing accurate volume measurement references, eliminating the need for external measurement tools and reducing operational complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If a rudimentary spout is provided for pouring, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but liquid control during pouring deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spout region is given specialized geometric features including an overturned upper edge and a v-shaped channel configuration that differs from the rest of the receptacle wall. These local structural modifications to the spout area provide controlled liquid flow characteristics while maintaining compatibility with the overall moulding process, thus improving pouring control without significantly complicating manufacturing.
3Reliability
If the receptacle is made of moulded paper pulp for disposability, then hygiene and disposal convenience are improved, but structural strength and resistance to deformation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle utilizes the inherent flexibility of moulded paper pulp to create a formable, disposable structure. The material's flexibility allows it to be moulded into complex shapes including integrated grip portions and spouts, while the resulting thin-walled structure provides sufficient strength for single-use applications. The flexibility also enables the material to conform to handling requirements without requiring excessive wall thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The sidewall is segmented into functional zones including grip portions with recesses and protrusions, and a spout region with distinct geometric features. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity through the integrated moulded construction, improving both handling characteristics and resistance to deformation.
4Quantity of substance
If the sidewall is made flimsy for disposability, then material usage and cost are reduced, but handling and manipulation become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sidewall incorporates grip portions with recesses and protrusions that segment the surface into functional zones. These segmented features provide tactile reference points and mechanical interlocking surfaces that improve grip and handling control, allowing the receptacle to be manipulated effectively despite being constructed from minimal material for disposability.
Solution Approach 2:
Specific regions of the sidewall are given enhanced geometric features including grip portions with recesses and protrusions. These localized structural enhancements provide improved handling characteristics in critical areas without increasing overall material usage, maintaining the disposable nature of the receptacle while improving ease of operation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A receptacle (10), e.g. a jug, comprising a flat or substantially flat base wall (16), a sidewall (18) extending upwardly from the base wall (16) to define a liquid receiving volume (12), and a plurality of integrally-formed projections and/or indentations located on the sidewall (18) arranged to indicate, in use, the depth of liquid within the liquid receiving volume (12). The receptacle may be manufactured of moulded paper pulp, and may also comprise a grip portion (14).