Stackable Container Stabilizing Bead Stacking Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers with easy-open ends are not stackable with sufficient stability, leading to potential instability during storage and transportation.
Innovation Solution
The container design features an easy-open end with a central panel, a stabilizing bead extending in the positive z-direction, and a depression that allows for increased stability when stacked, ensuring that the central panels of adjacent containers remain parallel within a ±2.0° angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If containers are designed with easy-open ends and basic structural features (bead, depression), then ease of operation and manufacturing are improved, but stacking stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimensional feature - the protrusion extending in the positive z-direction from the central panel. This vertical protrusion engages with a corresponding depression in the container below, creating a stacking mechanism that operates in the vertical dimension and fundamentally improves stacking stability without affecting the easy-opening function.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusion on one container fits into a depression on the container below, creating a nested interlocking structure. This nesting mechanism allows containers to stack securely while maintaining their individual structural integrity and easy-opening capabilities.
2Productivity
If containers are stacked to save storage space, then productivity and space utilization are improved, but stacking stability deteriorates due to insufficient structural features
Solution Approach 1:
By adding the vertical protrusion feature extending in the z-direction, the patent creates a stacking interface that enables stable vertical stacking. This dimensional addition allows containers to be stacked securely for space-efficient storage and transportation without compromising stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusion and depression features are simple, cost-effective structural elements that can be integrated into standard container manufacturing. These features provide adequate stacking stability for typical storage and transportation scenarios without requiring complex or expensive modifications.
3Device complexity
If basic container design is used without additional stabilizing features, then device complexity and manufacturing cost are reduced, but stacking stability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The container end is segmented into distinct functional zones: the central panel with the protrusion for stacking, the score line for opening, and the depression for tab engagement. This segmentation allows each feature to perform its specific function efficiently with minimal structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusion feature serves multiple functions: it provides stacking stability, defines the stacking interface geometry, and works universally with corresponding depressions on other containers. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized features.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b~2c
AI summary
The invention relates to a container. The container (350a) comprises an end (300a) and a container body (360a). The end (300a) comprises a central panel (312a), a tab (340a) and at least one stabilizing bead (313a). The central panel (312a) defines an x-y-plane and a z-direction is perpendicular to the x-y-plane. The tab (340a) is attached to the end (300a) and the tab (340a) extends in a positive z-direction. The at least one stabilizing bead (313a) is shaped in the end (300a) and the bead (313a) extends in the positive z-direction. The container body (360a) comprises a lower surface (385a) opposite to the end (300a). The container (350a) is configured to be stacked with a second container (350b) comprising a second end (300b) with a second central panel (312b) such that a portion of the lower surface (385a) of the container (350a) contacts a portion of the second end (300b) of the second container (350b), and the central panel (312a) of the container (350a) is parallel ±2.0 ° to the second central panel (312b) of the second end (300b) of the second container (350b), wherein the container (350a) and the second container (350b) are same containers (350a, 350b).