PET Container Base Radial Straps Hydraulic Charge-Up

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Solution Overview

Problem

PET containers for hot fill applications face challenges in resisting fill pressures, absorbing vacuum pressures, and withstanding top loading forces while maintaining material integrity and minimizing weight.

Innovation Solution

A PET container design featuring a base with radial straps and recessed rib members, which places the container in a hydraulic charge-up state under top load, allowing the horizontal side ribs to collapse and constrain base movement, thereby maintaining shape and resisting deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If PET container material weight is reduced, then container weight is minimized, but the ability to resist fill pressures, absorb vacuum pressures, and withstand top loading forces deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer weightVSAvoidpressure resistance and structural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The base is divided into multiple functional elements including radial straps extending from the central pushup portion, recessed rib members positioned between the straps, and a contact surface. This segmentation allows each element to perform specific functions: the pushup portion provides central support, the straps distribute radial loads, the ribs provide localized reinforcement, and the contact surface provides stable support. This segmented structure achieves superior mechanical performance with reduced material weight compared to conventional solid base designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If base structure is simplified to reduce manufacturing complexity, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to maintain shape and resist deformation under load deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebase manufacturing complexityVSAvoidcontainer shape stability under load
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The base geometry is pre-configured during molding with the pushup portion, straps, and recessed ribs positioned to automatically provide structural support when the container is filled and cooled. The recessed rib members are pre-positioned to collapse inward under vacuum pressure, and the radial straps are pre-oriented to resist outward expansion during filling. This preliminary geometric configuration eliminates the need for additional reinforcement structures or complex assembly steps while maintaining excellent shape stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 design effectively resists deformation and maintains shape under pressure and vacuum conditions, allowing for lighter construction while maintaining structural integrity and performance.

Implementation Method 1

The plurality of ribs and the base portion are configured to place the container in a state of hydraulic charge-up when top load is applied to the container after the container is filled

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic charge-up: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

shrinks back to approximately the original starting volume due to vacuum generated during the product cooling phase

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum pressure: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentEP3183178B1Lightweight container base
Publication Date: 2020.02.26 AMCOR RIGID PACKAGING USA LLC
  • EP3183178B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3183178B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3183178B1 patent drawingFigure 6~9

AI summary

A container defining a longitudinal axis and a transverse direction that is transverse with respect to the longitudinal axis. The container includes a finish and a sidewall portion extending from the finish. A plurality of ribs are defined by the sidewall. A base portion extends from the sidewall portion and encloses the sidewall portion to form a volume therein for retaining a commodity. The base portion has a contact surface for supporting the container. A plurality of straps extend radially along the base portion away from the longitudinal axis in the transverse direction, each one of the straps defines a strap surface that is closer to the finish than the contact surface. The plurality of ribs and the base portion are configured to place the container in a state of hydraulic charge-up when top load is applied to the container after the container is filled.