Soft-sided Bulk Containers with Internal Hold-ins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Soft-sided bulk material containers bulge laterally when filled or lifted due to gravitational forces, leading to shape distortion and increased space occupancy, which is disadvantageous for storage and transport.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of hold-ins within the container, secured between 20 and 70 percent of the side height, parallel to the bottom, to prevent lateral bulging by distributing the weight of the bulk material and maintaining the container's vertical shape during filling, lifting, and stacking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If soft-sided bulk material containers are filled with bulk material, then the container can be used for transport, but the sides bulge laterally causing shape distortion and increased space occupancy
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into multiple compartments by inserting bulk material containers (such as bags or totes) into the soft-sided container. These internal containers act as segments that prevent the bulk material from directly contacting and deforming the outer soft-sided walls, thereby maintaining the container's rectangular shape while preserving bulk material capacity
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate structure (the internal bulk material container) is introduced between the bulk material and the outer soft-sided container walls. This intermediary prevents direct contact between the bulk material and the flexible walls, eliminating lateral bulging while allowing the container to be filled to its full capacity
2Quantity of substance
If soft-sided bulk material containers are filled with bulk material, then the container can be used for transport, but the sides bulge laterally causing increased space occupancy
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the container into an outer soft-sided container and inner rigid bulk material containers, the bulk material is contained within the rigid inner containers rather than directly in the soft outer container. This prevents volume expansion from lateral bulging while maintaining full bulk material capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid internal bulk material container serves as an intermediary that prevents volume increase. By containing the bulk material within rigid walls rather than allowing direct contact with flexible outer walls, the overall volume of the container system remains constant and equal to the outer container's dimensions
3Shape
If hold-ins are secured to prevent lateral bulging, then container shape is maintained, but the hold-ins are secured between 20 and 70 percent of the side height requiring specific structural configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The bulk material itself serves the dual function of being transported and of providing structural support. By positioning hold-ins at 20-70% of the side height, the bulk material's own weight and pressure are utilized to press the hold-ins against the container walls, creating a self-supporting structure that maintains shape without requiring complex external reinforcement
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 use of hold-ins effectively reduces or eliminates side bulging, maintaining the container's rectangular shape and minimizing space occupation during transport and storage, enhancing handling efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the contained bulk material tends to move downwardly under the force of gravity and cause the soft-sided sides to move laterally, referred to as bulging
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method and apparatus for transferring bulk material for transport, the method includes placing a first quantity of bulk material in a soft-sided bulk material container, extending a first hold-in across the container from a first side of the container to a second location, the second location being substantially toward a second side of the container, wherein the first hold-in is secured to the first side of the container, securing the first hold-in to the second location and placing a second quantity of bulk material in the container, the second quantity covering the first hold-in and securing the first hold-in to the second location with a weight of the second quantity of bulk material.