Rectangular Fluid Container With Tool-Free Holder Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing container designs, particularly those with circular cross-sections, waste space during transport and storage due to gaps between them, and lack a secure, tool-free attachment mechanism for holders.

Innovation Solution

A container with a rectangular cross-section and a specially formed rear projection featuring an undercut and V-shape for secure attachment to a holder, which also includes resilient tongues for enhanced stability and space efficiency, allowing for tool-free connection and easy dispensing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a circular cross-section container is used, then stability and even load distribution are improved, but space utilization during transport and storage deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidspace utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the opposite principle by using a rectangular cross-section instead of circular, eliminating curvature to achieve better space utilization while maintaining stability through the stand and holder attachment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Volume of moving object

If a rectangular cross-section container is used, then space utilization during transport and storage is improved, but stability and load distribution deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidstability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The container is segmented into functional components: the rectangular body for space efficiency, and a separate stand attachment for stability, allowing each component to optimize its specific function without compromise

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stand acts as an intermediary element between the rectangular container and the holder, providing the necessary stability and load distribution while allowing the container body to maintain its space-efficient rectangular shape

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a secure attachment mechanism is added to the container, then holding power and reliability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding powerVSAvoidattachment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing through the V-shaped groove and resilient tongue interaction, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures or additional fastening components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient tongue changes its physical state from compressed to relaxed, automatically providing the necessary holding force through elastic deformation, which simplifies the attachment mechanism while maintaining high reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If a tool-free connection system is used, then ease of operation is improved, but holding power and security deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of connectionVSAvoidholding power
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The container and holder are designed to automatically secure themselves through the interaction of the V-shaped groove and resilient tongue, which engage through elastic deformation without requiring external tools or complex operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The V-shaped groove provides a geometric constraint that guides and centers the container during insertion, ensuring proper alignment and secure engagement through the inherent geometry rather than complex mechanical features

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 solution enables efficient use of space during transport and storage, provides stability for filled containers, and allows for secure, tool-free attachment to holders, ensuring the container remains upright for dispensing while maintaining easy handling and visibility of liquid levels.

Implementation Method 1

The holder has resilient tongues which act on the container, in particular on the projection arranged on the rear side of the container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The connection formation has an undercut or forms an undercut. The connection formation at the back of the container has a V-shape with the apex down. This allows the container to be inserted from above, centering itself due to the V-shape

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGeometric constraint: Geometry

Implementation Method 3

The container can be hung in the holder via the plug-in connection and then rests in the holder due to the gravitational force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2114227B1Container
Publication Date: 2012.05.16 ADOLF WURTH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2114227B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP2114227B1 patent drawingFigure 6~10

AI summary

The invention relates to a container for the transportation, storage, and supply of fluids and to a holder for attaching the container to a vertical surface. The container has an approximately cubic shape and includes on the rear thereof a molding in the shape of a projection that may be hung in a holder, on which the container is then fixed without tools. The molding has a shape and size that allow the container to be securely fixed to the holder even when it is completely full. The container may also be placed on the floor using a standing surface and will remain standing there securely.