Plastic Paint Can Assembly With Undercut Lock And Interlocking Stack
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional steel paint cans face issues with cost, weight, rust, and disposal, prompting the need for improved plastic container assemblies that provide better sealing and stacking stability.
Innovation Solution
A plastic container assembly featuring a ring with an upwardly opening U-shaped channel and a closure with integral walls and an undercut lock, along with a downwardly projecting annular tongue and groove for enhanced stackability, providing multiple seals and improved drop test performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If steel is used for paint cans, then strength and durability are improved, but weight, cost, and rust resistance worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from steel to plastic (polyethylene), fundamentally altering the weight and corrosion properties while maintaining structural integrity through optimized geometric design of the container walls and reinforcement features
2Strength
If steel is used for paint cans, then structural integrity is improved, but cost and disposal issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from steel to plastic, reducing manufacturing cost and improving ease of disposal while maintaining structural integrity through optimized container wall thickness and reinforcement design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses plastic as a composite alternative to steel, combining durability with cost-effectiveness and environmental friendliness in the container construction
3Device complexity
If a simple closure design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but sealing performance worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The closure features a nested structure with an inner closure member fitted within an outer closure member, creating multiple sealing surfaces that enhance sealing performance while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The closure is divided into separate functional segments including an inner closure member, outer closure member, and associated sealing elements, allowing each segment to perform its specific sealing function independently
4Device complexity
If containers are stacked without stability features, then device complexity is reduced, but stacking stability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The container features an asymmetric design with a downwardly projecting annular tongue on the bottom container and a corresponding upwardly opening U-shaped channel on the top container, creating a stable interlocking stacking configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The stacking stability is achieved by adding a vertical dimension feature (the downwardly projecting tongue) that interlocks with the container above, transforming a simple cylindrical stack into a dimensionally interlocked structure
Data Source
AI summary
An all plastic paint container assembly comprising a container, a ring assembly attached to the rim of the container and a pry-off plastic closure having a dual sealing arrangement with the ring member and an undercut lock at a location which provides maximum circumferential area. Containers of this design can be stacked both with and without the ring members attached. Three embodiments are disclosed, providing double and triple closure locks and multiple seals.