Polymeric Fluid Container With Corner Posts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bulk fluid containers face issues such as bulging due to weight, high oxygen permeability, and difficulties in cleaning and gravity-based discharge, making them unsuitable for long-term storage of liquids like wine.
Innovation Solution
A fluid container assembly with moulded polymeric sides and a base, featuring inwardly bowed sides, outwardly bowed top and bottom, and corner reinforcing posts, designed for easy cleaning and drainage, using high-density polyethylene and a rotational moulding process, with a closure assembly for air management and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If bulk containers are formed of polymeric material, then ease of manufacture and cost are improved, but the container is subject to bulging caused by the weight of contents
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines polymeric material with metal reinforcing elements (corner posts and side posts) to create a composite structure. The polymeric container body maintains ease of manufacture and corrosion resistance, while the metal posts provide the necessary structural strength to prevent bulging under the weight of bulk liquids.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing structure is segmented into discrete corner posts and side posts rather than using a continuous rigid framework. This segmentation allows the flexible polymeric material to maintain its manufacturing advantages while receiving targeted reinforcement at critical stress points where bulging is most likely to occur.
2Ease of operation
If the container is designed for easy cleaning and gravity discharge, then ease of operation is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding complex mechanical systems to facilitate cleaning and discharge, the invention inverts the approach by designing the container geometry itself to enable these functions. The bowed sides and corner posts create natural flow paths that allow gravity to facilitate discharge without requiring additional mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The container structure performs multiple functions including structural reinforcement, cleaning facilitation, and discharge management through its geometric design alone. The corner posts and bowed sides work together to create self-draining characteristics and easy-to-clean surfaces without requiring separate systems for each function.
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 container assembly effectively reduces bulging, enhances oxygen permeability to match oak barrels, facilitates easy cleaning and gravity-based discharge, and ensures reliable sealing, making it suitable for long-term storage of fluids like wine.
Implementation Method 1
each corner reinforcing post extending from the separate base along one of the corners
Implementation Method 2
the bottom of the container may be shaped so as to direct all fluid to flow under gravity to a drainage opening
Data Source
AI summary
A bulk fluid container assembly for maturing wines or other fluid beverages comprising, a container of molded polymeric material having a plurality of sides, a bottom and a top, wherein the sides are bowed inwardly with respect to the interior of the container, the top and bottom are bowed outwardly with respect to the interior, and the sides are joined to form corners, a separate base for supporting the bottom of the container, a corner reinforcing post for each of the corners, each corner reinforcing post extending from the separate base along one of the corners. It may have a base frame for receiving the tynes of a forklift.