Stackable Plastic Keg With Foot Projections For Stable Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and energy consumption associated with manufacturing and transporting traditional metal kegs, along with the risk of damage during handling and storage, necessitate the development of a more economical and environmentally friendly container solution.
Innovation Solution
A plastic keg design featuring a blow-molded body with a petaloid bottom configuration and injection-molded top handle, incorporating foot-like projections for stable stacking and reduced material usage, which allows for efficient handling and minimizes the risk of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional metal chimes are used for kegs, then strength and protection are improved, but manufacturing cost and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to plastic for the chimes, and modifies the geometric parameters by incorporating rib structures and foot-like projections. This allows plastic chimes to achieve sufficient strength while being more economical to manufacture and lighter in weight, resolving the contradiction between strength and manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite structural design where the chime incorporates multiple functional elements (handle, protective rib, foot-like projection) integrated into a single plastic component. This composite approach allows the plastic chime to perform multiple functions previously requiring metal, reducing both cost and weight while maintaining strength
2Strength
If traditional metal chimes are used for kegs, then strength and protection are improved, but weight increases leading to higher transport costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to plastic, fundamentally reducing the density and weight of the chime while maintaining sufficient strength through optimized geometric design with ribs and projections, thereby resolving the contradiction between strength and weight
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local reinforcement through rib structures and foot-like projections at critical areas of the chime, providing strength where needed while keeping the overall chime design lightweight. This localized quality approach allows weight reduction without sacrificing necessary strength
3Reliability
If injection moulded chimes are used, then handling stability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the chime to perform multiple functions: providing a handle for handling, offering protective ribs for structural reinforcement, and incorporating foot-like projections for stable stacking. This multi-functional design achieves stacking stability without requiring separate components, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functional elements (handle, protective structure, stacking feet) into a single integrated chime component manufactured by injection moulding. This consolidation achieves stacking stability and handling capability in one piece, eliminating the need for additional parts and reducing overall manufacturing cost
4Ease of manufacture
If plastic containers are used, then manufacturing cost and transport cost are reduced, but damage resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local reinforcement through integrated rib structures and foot-like projections at critical stress points of the plastic container. This localized strengthening provides enhanced damage resistance where needed while maintaining the overall lightweight and economical plastic construction, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing cost and damage resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite structural design where the plastic container incorporates reinforced elements (ribs, projections, thickened areas) integrated into the main body. This composite approach within plastic material provides enhanced strength and damage resistance while keeping the base material as economical plastic, balancing cost and durability
Data Source
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AI summary
A container such as a beer keg includes a blow moulded container body and an injection moulded top chime 2. The chime 2 has a continuous peripheral handle 20 which is joined to a central hub 21 by radial spokes 22, with a peripheral skirt 24 which fits over the top portion of the container body. The base of the container body is formed with radial ridges 14 and intervening channels 15 producing a petaloid configuration. The ridges 14 are formed with integral foot-like projections 17 which locate within a recessed area of the chime bounded by the handle 20 to enable the containers to be stacked in a stable manner. The deepest part of the channels formed between the ridges 14 are conjoined to form a domed region 15 wall which merges into the side wall 10. The contents of the container exert internal pressure on the bottom wall which has a low tendency to distortion in use.