Tapered Ventilation Duct Prevents Liquid Ingress in Plastic Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stackable containers face issues with liquid entering the ventilation duct during emptying, leading to incomplete venting and residual liquid collection, which complicates the 'glug-free' emptying process.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a separate ventilation duct that tapers from the pouring spout to the rear end of the handle, with a larger cross-section at the upper end and a smaller cross-section at the lower end, preventing liquid entry and ensuring effective air flow for venting, and is not integrated with the handle's ventilation concept.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the ventilation duct is integrated with the handle, then the structure is simplified and production is easier, but liquid enters the ventilation duct during emptying causing incomplete venting and residue collection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the ventilation duct from the handle, making them independent components. The ventilation duct is formed as a separate integral structure in the pouring spout, while the handle remains a distinct element. This segmentation prevents liquid from entering the ventilation duct through the handle area while maintaining separate functional pathways for ventilation and liquid flow.
2Ease of manufacture
If the ventilation duct has a constant cross-section, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but liquid collects in the deepest part of the duct during transport and partial emptying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a varying cross-section design to the ventilation duct, with the cross-sectional area decreasing from the upper end toward the lower end. This local variation in geometry creates a tapered structure that prevents liquid accumulation by ensuring liquid flows toward the narrower lower end rather than pooling in the duct. The pouring spout remains integral while accommodating this dimensional variation.
3Reliability
If the ventilation duct extends deep into the container, then venting effectiveness is improved, but liquid enters the duct during emptying preventing proper air flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the cross-sectional parameter of the ventilation duct along its length, creating a tapered geometry where the cross-sectional area decreases from upper to lower ends. This parameter variation serves dual purposes: it maintains adequate venting effectiveness by providing a continuous air pathway while simultaneously preventing liquid ingress by directing liquid flow away from the duct entrance through the narrowing geometry.
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
This design allows for efficient ventilation without liquid ingress, enabling complete emptying without gurgling and preventing residue collection, while maintaining a simple structure and production process.
Implementation Method 1
The ventilation channel is intended to compensate for a negative pressure that occurs when the container is emptied
Implementation Method 2
the cross section of the ventilation duct decreases at least in regions from the upper end of the duct to the lower end of the duct
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a container made of plastic, in particular a canister, for the storage and/or the transport of liquids, having at least one pouring spout (2) integrally molded on the upper side of the container (1), possibly a handle (5) integrally molded on the upper side of the container (1), and a ventilation duct (6), which extends into the container interior (9) from an upper duct end (7) in the area of the pouring spout or underneath the pouring spout as far as a lower duct end (8). The container is characterized in that, at least in some areas, the cross section of the ventilation duct (6) decreases from the upper duct end (7) as far as the lower duct end (8).