Injection Molded Plastic Ring for Container Structural Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial packaging containers require stronger, more expensive materials and manufacturing techniques to support large volumes, leading to increased costs and safety issues with metal components, and disparate materials complicate manufacturing and introduce errors.
Innovation Solution
An injection molded plastic ring with a first side and second side of varying lengths, featuring plastic ribs for secure attachment to the container without heat sealing, providing structural support and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If metal top rings are used to provide structural support without heat sealing, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but safety issues arise due to potential contact with product and inability to detect foreign metallic materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes metal components entirely from the container structure, extracting only the necessary structural support function and implementing it through plastic alternative means (injection molded ring with ribs), thereby eliminating safety hazards associated with metal while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable plastic components (injection molded ring) that can be easily manufactured and discarded, replacing durable metal components. This approach prioritizes safety and ease of manufacture over long-term reusability, aligning with the principle of using inexpensive, single-use parts where appropriate
2Strength
If disparate materials are introduced into container construction to provide structural support, then strength is improved, but manufacturing becomes more error prone and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs homogeneous plastic material throughout the container structure (injection molded ring, container body), eliminating the need to join disparate materials. This single-material approach simplifies manufacturing, reduces errors, and maintains structural strength through optimized plastic rib design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the structural support function and the container components into a single homogeneous plastic structure. The injection molded ring with integrated ribs combines sealing, support, and attachment functions in one component, eliminating complex multi-material assemblies
3Strength
If heat seal manufacturing technique is used to support volume of frozen novelty, then structural strength is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase and costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal process (heat sealing) with a mechanical attachment system. The injection molded ring with hook-shaped ribs provides structural support and sealing through mechanical interlocking and friction, eliminating the need for precision heat sealing while maintaining container strength
Data Source
AI summary
Rings and containers for packaging of goods are provided. The containers include the rings. Each ring covers a top sidewall of a container. Moreover, each ring includes a first side and a second side. The first side extends along an outer portion of the top sidewall and the second side extends along an inner portion of the top sidewall. The first side extends farther down the top sidewall than the second side. The second side also includes an inside, which has ribs that adhere to the inner portion of the top sidewall. Furthermore, each rib has a hook or ridge.