Multi-layer Bottle with Gas-filled Void for Thermal Contraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Plastic beverage containers face challenges in accommodating thermal contraction of beverages without deforming externally, often requiring additional material, cost, or irregular surfaces that affect usability and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer bottle construction where a plastic inner layer can move independently away from the outer layer to accommodate volume changes, maintaining the outer shape while allowing a space between the layers that can be filled with gas, thereby accommodating thermal contraction without external deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the bottle wall is made thicker or reinforced to prevent deformation during beverage cooling, then the structural strength is improved, but the weight and material cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bottle wall is segmented into multiple independent layers (outer layer, inner layer, and intermediate layer) that can move relative to each other. The outer layer maintains structural strength and shape, while the inner layer accommodates volume changes during cooling, eliminating the need for thicker walls and reducing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The bottle employs a composite structure with multiple material layers having different properties. The outer layer provides structural integrity, while the inner layer provides flexibility to accommodate thermal contraction. This composite approach achieves both strength and weight efficiency better than a single thick wall design.
2Strength
If the bottle wall is made thicker or reinforced to prevent deformation during beverage cooling, then the structural strength is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wall structure is divided into multiple thinner layers that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function and manufactured using standard processes, potentially reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost compared to producing a single thick reinforced wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite multi-layer structure allows each layer to be manufactured from optimized materials for its specific function. This can lead to more efficient material usage and potentially lower manufacturing costs compared to using a single thick material, while achieving the required structural strength.
3Strength
If the bottle wall is made thicker or reinforced to prevent deformation during beverage cooling, then the structural strength is improved, but the exterior surface becomes irregular affecting aesthetics and usability
Solution Approach 1:
The outer layer is separated from the inner layer, allowing the outer layer to maintain a smooth, regular shape for aesthetic purposes while the inner layer independently accommodates volume changes during cooling. This segmentation prevents the transmission of deformation from the inner layer to the outer layer, preserving exterior shape regularity.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate layer acts as a mediator or buffer between the outer and inner layers. This intermediate layer allows the inner layer to contract during cooling while preventing this contraction from deforming the outer layer, thus maintaining a regular exterior shape.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the inner layer is made to flex or shrink to accommodate volume changes, then the beverage cooling accommodation is improved, but the seal integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented and assigned primarily to the outer layer and cap assembly, which remain structurally stable. The inner layer is segmented as a separate flexible component that accommodates volume changes without compromising the seal, as the seal is maintained by the outer layer's structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure assigns different functions to different layers: the outer layer provides structural stability and seal integrity, while the inner layer provides flexibility for volume change accommodation. This functional differentiation in the composite structure ensures that seal integrity is maintained while still allowing for thermal contraction.
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 allows for a lightweight, cost-effective bottle with a constant exterior shape, improved squeezability, and reduced heat transfer, maintaining beverage freshness by slowing temperature equilibrium with the environment.
Implementation Method 1
The inner layer is made from a plastic material that shrinks or flexes to accommodate a change in its interior volume due to, for example, a beverage cooling within the interior volume
Implementation Method 2
A gas, such as air, may occupy the space between the outer layer and the inner layer. The gas may be drawn from the atmosphere around the bottle, or may be generated between the outer layer and the inner layer
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-layer beverage container made is disclosed. An outer layer encloses an inner layer that is configured to shrink or flex to accommodate volume changes of a beverage inside the beverage container caused by a change in temperature of the beverage in the sealed beverage container. The inner layer is not attached to the outer layer through the majority of the beverage container, with attachment zones being located at selected areas of the outer layer. There is a space between the inner layer and the outer layer. A gas introduction system is provided in the space to maintain a desired gas pressure in the space. The set gas pressure allows outer layer to be designed without the need to resist deformation caused by reduced pressure due to changing volumes of the beverage.