Nose-Shaped Edge Portion for Paint Container Lid Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing paint containers are prone to accidental opening during collisions or distortions, and they do not facilitate easy dispensing of liquids due to their circular edge design which increases adhesion.

Innovation Solution

A paint container with a nose-shaped edge portion that includes a first outwardly curved part and a second downwardly curved part, providing a bend spring effect to secure the lid and facilitate liquid dispensing by creating a break-off point for easy detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a circular edge portion is used in the container, then the manufacturing is simple and the structure is compact, but the lid holding force is insufficient and accidental opening cannot be prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelid holding forceVSAvoidedge portion structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The circular edge portion is modified by adding an asymmetric nose-shaped protrusion that extends radially outward. This asymmetric feature creates a localized engagement point for the lid, transforming the symmetric circular edge into an asymmetric structure that provides both enhanced holding force through point contact and prevents accidental opening while maintaining manufacturing simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The nose-shaped protrusion incorporates curved surfaces with specific radii of curvature. The first curvature radius (R1) of the nose-shaped part is larger than the second curvature radius (R2) of the transition portion, creating a smooth yet effective geometric profile that enhances lid engagement while avoiding stress concentration points

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Ease of operation

If a circular edge portion is used in the container, then the structure is simple, but liquid adhesion to the edge is increased making dispensing difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid dispensing easeVSAvoidedge portion structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The asymmetric nose-shaped protrusion creates a localized break-off point for liquid flow. When liquid is poured from the container, the abrupt geometric change at the nose-shaped edge provides a natural separation point where liquid adhering to the inner surface can detach more easily, preventing excessive liquid from clinging to the circular portion of the edge

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The specific curvature profile of the nose-shaped protrusion, with its defined radius of curvature, creates an optimal surface geometry that balances liquid adhesion and detachment. The curved surface allows liquid to flow smoothly along the edge while the abrupt change in curvature at the nose tip provides an effective break-off point for easy dispensing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Reliability

If the edge portion is made rigid to prevent deformation, then structural strength is improved, but the ability to provide elastic closing force to the lid is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer strengthVSAvoidedge portion flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The edge portion is designed with non-uniform thickness distribution, where the nose-shaped protrusion and its transition portion have optimized local thicknesses that differ from the main circular portion. This local variation in geometry creates zones with different mechanical properties: the nose-shaped part provides structural strength while the transition portion maintains flexibility for elastic deformation during lid closing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 nose-shaped edge portion enhances the holding force of the lid, reduces the risk of accidental opening, and improves the ease of pouring by reducing adhesion, ensuring the container remains sealed and liquids can be easily dispensed.

Implementation Method 1

During placement of the lid a closing force is exerted on the nose-shaped edge portion of the container and in particular on the apex thereof. In the container according to the invention this results in the nose-shaped edge portion being pressed slightly downwards and/or inwards during application of a container lid to the container. After application of the lid, the nose-shaped portion returns to its original form and position, therewith exerting an outwardly directed force on the point of contact

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic energy storage and release: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4424519A1Container and method for manufacturing such container
Publication Date: 2024.09.04 TRIVIUM PACKAGING NETHERLANDS BV
  • EP4424519A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4424519A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4424519A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a container (2) having a container body (3) comprising: - a bottom wall (4); - a side wall (6) having a first end (8) that is connected to the bottom wall and that extends from the first end to an opposite, second end (10); - an edge portion at the second end of the side wall; and - a rim (24) that extends from the edge portion; and wherein the edge portion, when viewed from a central container axis, comprises an outwardly directed nose-shaped portion (12). The invention further relates to a container lid and a container assembly. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a container according to the invention, a method for manufacturing a container lid and a method for manufacturing a container assembly.