Rigid Removable Linings for Reusable Paint Containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing containers for paints, varnishes, and ready-mixed plasters are difficult to clean and reuse due to the inability to effectively separate the contents from the container, leading to disposal as waste, and existing linings are cumbersome and prone to contamination during use.

Innovation Solution

A dimensionally stable inner container with a second shell and sealing element, allowing easy insertion and removal, and a sealing mechanism to prevent contamination and enable reuse of the outer container.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a plastic film lining is used in the container, then the container can be reused or recycled, but the film insertion is time-consuming and requires manual crease-free placement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer reuse capabilityVSAvoidfilm insertion time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The container is divided into an outer container and an inner container (lining) that can be separately manufactured and assembled. The inner container is pre-formed as a complete unit with integrated sealing elements, eliminating the need for manual film insertion and creasing during assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inner container is pre-manufactured with integrated sealing elements and a complete structural form before insertion into the outer container. This preliminary preparation allows for quick, tool-free assembly by simply placing the pre-formed inner container into the outer container without manual manipulation of flexible film.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If a plastic film lining is used in the container, then the container can be reused, but the film may tear or wrap around stirrer during mechanical stirring

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer reuse capabilityVSAvoidfilm integrity during stirring
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The container system separates the structural support function (outer container) from the lining function (inner container). The inner container is designed as a dimensionally stable, rigid structure that resists deformation during mechanical stirring, preventing the tearing and wrapping issues associated with flexible plastic films.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lining material properties are changed from flexible plastic film to a dimensionally stable, rigid material with sufficient wall thickness. This parameter change in structural rigidity and dimensional stability enables the lining to withstand mechanical stirring forces without deforming or tearing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If a plastic film lining is used in the container, then the container can be reused, but cleaning the container with the inner sack is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer reuse capabilityVSAvoidcontainer cleanability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The container is segmented into a removable inner container and an outer container. The inner container can be completely removed from the outer container, allowing the outer container to be accessed and cleaned thoroughly with tools such as trowels, eliminating the barrier that a permanent plastic film lining would create.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inner container is extracted as a separate, removable component from the outer container. This extraction capability allows the outer container to be completely cleaned and inspected, while the inner container can be separately disposed of or cleaned, solving the cleanability issue inherent in permanent plastic film linings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Productivity

If the lining is made dimensionally stable with sufficient wall thickness, then the inner container can be easily inserted and automated, but the material usage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion speed and automation capabilityVSAvoidmaterial consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The wall thickness and material properties of the inner container are optimized to achieve dimensional stability with minimal material usage. The inner container has sufficient rigidity for automated handling and insertion while maintaining thin walls to reduce material consumption and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The inner container is designed with dimensionally stable properties only where necessary for structural integrity and automated handling (overall rigidity), while maintaining minimal wall thickness in areas where high strength is not critical, optimizing the balance between automation capability and material usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4610189A1Containers
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 ALPLA WERKE ALWIN LEHNER
  • EP4610189A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4610189A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4610189A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a container (11) for holding paints, varnishes, plastic dispersions, ready-mixed plasters or other substances requiring disposal, or foodstuffs. The container has an outer container (13) with a first base and a first shell (17) adjoining the first base, the first shell (17) having an opening (21) at its upper end (19), a lid (23) for closing and sealing the opening (21), and a lining (27) covering the inner surface of the outer container (13) and, together with the remaining contents, can be removed from the outer container (13) and disposed of. The lining is a dimensionally stable inner container (27) with a second shell (31) and a second base.