Stackable Liquid Container Base Recess for Weight Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid containers lack structural integrity to support the weight of other containers, necessitating the use of ancillary support structures like milk crates for stacking, which is inefficient and costly for distribution and storage.
Innovation Solution
A liquid container design featuring a base member with a recessed portion that allows it to rest on the neck member of another container, distributing weight evenly and eliminating the need for external support structures, with features like ribs and a handle for enhanced stability and handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If liquid containers are designed with simple structures for easy manufacturing and handling, then manufacturing cost and ease of production are improved, but structural integrity and ability to support stacked containers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container structure is segmented into distinct functional components: a base member with a recessed portion for supporting stacked containers, a sidewall member for containment, and a neck member for coupling. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity without requiring complex ancillary support structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The base member incorporates a recessed portion with specific geometric characteristics (depth, width, shape) that provide localized structural reinforcement exactly where needed to support stacked containers. This local quality enhancement allows the rest of the container to remain simple and cost-effective while providing targeted structural strength at the critical stacking interface.
2Stability of the object's composition
If ancillary support structures like milk crates are used for stacking containers, then stacking capability and structural support are improved, but device complexity and distribution cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stacking function previously provided by separate ancillary support structures (milk crates) is merged into the container itself through the base member's recessed portion. This integration eliminates the need for external support structures, reducing device complexity while maintaining stacking capability. The container both contains liquid and provides structural support for stacked containers through its own geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The container design is self-sufficient, with the base member's recessed portion providing the necessary structural support for stacking without requiring external ancillary structures. The container serves its own stacking needs through its intrinsic geometric design, eliminating dependency on additional support systems and simplifying the overall system.
3Stability of the object's composition
If weight of stacked containers is concentrated on small contact areas, then stacking stability is reduced, but distribution of weight over larger areas requires complex structural designs
Solution Approach 1:
The recessed portion of the base member is specifically designed with geometric characteristics (depth, width, shape) that create an optimized contact area for supporting stacked containers. This local geometric quality enhancement provides stable weight distribution without requiring complex overall structural designs, achieving stacking stability through targeted geometric optimization at the critical support interface.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment according to the present disclosure, a liquid container generally includes a base member, an annular sidewall member, a neck member, a spout, and a handle. The annular sidewall member is attached to and extends upwardly from the base member. The neck member couples the annular sidewall member to the spout. The base member has a recessed portion that extends upwardly into the container such that the base member may rest upon the neck member of another container.