Nested Fluid Container With Ergonomic Cutouts And Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container assemblies for storing and dispensing fluids lack ergonomic design and structural integrity, making them difficult to handle and pour from, especially when filled with liquids, and they often require complex manipulation to access the receptacle within the container.
Innovation Solution
A container assembly featuring a corrugated material container with a three-layered overlapping top portion and ergonomic cutouts for easy grasping, along with offset window openings for fluid level viewing, and a receptacle with a spout and vent structure for uniform fluid flow, all designed to facilitate safe and efficient storage, shipping, and dispensing of fluids without removing the receptacle from the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the receptacle is disposed within the container, then protection and stability are improved, but access to the receptacle for dispensing becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle is disposed within the container, creating a nested structure where the inner receptacle is protected by the outer container while remaining accessible through aligned openings in both structures
Solution Approach 2:
The aligned openings serve multiple functions: they provide access for dispensing fluid from the receptacle while also allowing the receptacle to be securely positioned within the container, eliminating the need for separate access mechanisms
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional container designs are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but handling and dispensing efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into distinct functional elements: the outer container for protection, the inner receptacle for fluid storage, and aligned openings for access. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The design adds vertical dimensionality by nesting the receptacle within the container, creating a multi-level structure that improves handling efficiency without significantly complicating the manufacturing process of individual components
3Strength
If the receptacle opening is not aligned with the container opening, then structural integrity is improved, but fluid dispensing becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The aligned openings serve dual purposes: maintaining structural integrity by being positioned in structurally sound locations while simultaneously enabling efficient fluid dispensing through direct alignment, eliminating the need for separate access points
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
Enhances handling and dispensing efficiency by providing structural integrity and easy access to the fluid within the container, reducing the risk of spillage and damage during handling and storage, while promoting uniform fluid flow and reducing plastic usage in the receptacle.
Implementation Method 1
the vent structure is configured to allow air to circulate within the receptacle when dispensing fluid from the receptacle to thereby promote generally uniform flow of the fluid from the receptacle
Implementation Method 2
The container is formed from corrugated material and has a top portion, a bottom portion, and multiple side portions depending downwardly from the top portion where the top portion is defined by at least three overlapping layers of the corrugated material
Data Source
AI summary
A container assembly includes a container and a receptacle configured to be positioned within the container. The receptacle has an opening for dispensing fluid, and the container has an opening that aligns with the receptacle opening when the receptacle is positioned within the container. The container opening defines an ergonomic cutout portion for use in grasping the container for carrying the container and receptacle together, and for dispensing fluid from the receptacle when the receptacle is positioned within the container. The container can also include window openings for viewing fluid level in the receptacle when positioned within the container, and a knockout configured to be removed from the container to allow access to the receptacle through the container. And, the receptacle can include a handle for grasping in connection with the ergonomic cutout portion for use in carrying the container and receptacle together and dispensing fluid from the receptacle.