Plastic Container Handle Inserts for Seam and Impact Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Plastic containers with integrated handles have a connection seam in the reach-through opening that can be a weak point, particularly in unmonitored handling environments, leading to potential injury risks and requiring additional processing steps for a pleasant feel.

Innovation Solution

A handle insert is arranged within the reach-through opening, covering the connection seam and providing a contoured handle independent of the opening's design, with features like parting planes, shells, and connection means to secure the insert, and load-relief notches to absorb shock and distribute forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a reach-through opening is created by welding two wall parts and cutting out the region, then a handle can be formed, but a connection seam is created that forms a weak point and requires additional processing steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandle functionalityVSAvoidconnection seam strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The container body is divided into two separate wall parts that are joined by a connection seam, allowing the reach-through opening to be formed while maintaining structural integrity through the segmented design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A handle insert is introduced as an intermediary element that covers and protects the connection seam, eliminating the weak point while maintaining handle functionality and requiring no additional processing steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a reach-through opening is created by welding two wall parts and cutting out the region, then a handle can be formed, but the connection seam requires careful rounding and additional processing steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandle functionalityVSAvoidprocessing steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handle insert is designed to pre-cover the connection seam in its original state, eliminating the need for subsequent rounding or finishing operations on the seam

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The handle insert serves as a mediating element that provides the final finished appearance and protects the connection seam, eliminating additional processing steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the connection seam is exposed in the reach-through opening, then the handle structure is simple, but the risk of injury to users increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandle structureVSAvoidinjury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The handle insert acts as a protective intermediary that covers the potentially harmful connection seam, eliminating injury risk while maintaining simple handle structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection seam, which could be harmful when exposed, is converted into a protected feature by the handle insert, transforming the potential hazard into a safe and functional handle structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS12397967B2Plastic container

Publication Date: 2025.08.26 ALPLA WERKE ALWIN LEHNER

AI summary

Disclosed is a plastic container (1, 1″) comprising a container body (10, 10′, 10″), which forms a filling volume, and a reach-through opening (11, 11″) penetrating the container body (10, 10′, 10″). The reach-through opening (11, 11″) forms a handle (12, 12′, 12″, 12′″) with a partial region (10a, 10a′, 10a″) of the container body (10, 10′, 10″). A handle insert (13, 13′, 13″, 13′″) is arranged in the reach-through opening (11, 11″).