Plastic Container Side Wall Grooves for Stability and Run-off
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plastic containers face challenges in maintaining stability against deformation while optimizing run-off properties, as stiffening elements can impair pouring and emptying efficiency and increase material usage.
Innovation Solution
The container features alternating deeper and shallower grooves on its inner surface, where deeper grooves provide stability and shallower grooves form a scale without hindering pouring, reducing material usage and enhancing run-off properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If stiffening elements are introduced into the container wall to stabilize against deformation, then stability is improved, but run-off properties deteriorate and material usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating grooves with varying depths at different locations on the container wall. Deeper grooves provide enhanced stiffening where needed, while shallower grooves maintain better run-off properties. This localized variation in groove depth allows different regions of the container to have different functional characteristics, resolving the contradiction between stability and run-off properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The stiffening function is segmented into multiple grooves of different depths rather than using a single uniform stiffening element. The grooves are divided into deeper grooves for primary stiffening and shallower grooves for maintaining run-off properties. This segmentation allows the container wall to achieve stability while preserving adequate run-off characteristics.
2Stability of the object's composition
If stiffening elements are introduced into the container wall to stabilize against deformation, then stability is improved, but material usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The groove structure implements local quality by concentrating material removal only where stiffening is needed, rather than uniformly thickening the entire container wall. The varying groove depths create localized stiffening zones that provide necessary stability while minimizing overall material consumption compared to a uniformly thicker wall design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of groove depth to optimize the balance between stability and material usage. By varying the depth parameter of grooves at different locations, the design achieves adequate stiffening with minimal material removal, thereby reducing overall material usage while maintaining container stability.
3Loss of substance
If grooves are formed in the inner surface to reduce material usage, then material usage is reduced, but run-off properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The groove design applies local quality by using shallower grooves in regions where run-off properties are critical, while employing deeper grooves only where maximum stiffening is needed. This spatial variation in groove depth allows the container to maintain good run-off properties in most areas while achieving adequate stability where required.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a container with a side wall of plastic encloses a container volume. Horizontally oriented grooves spaced vertically apart from one another are formed in the side wall, and the grooves include first grooves for stiffening the side wall. The first grooves have a first groove depth and are configured such that a projection protruding into the enclosed container volume is formed in the inner surface of the side wall. The grooves also include second grooves having a second groove depth. The first groove depth is greater than the second groove depth. The first and second grooves are arranged such that at least one second groove is in each case arranged in the vertical direction between two first grooves. The subvolumes enclosed by two horizontal planes, which are defined by two adjacent grooves, and the side wall are in each case identical.