Transport Container With Unfolding Inner Bag

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-use containers for transporting and storing liquids are not versatile enough to be reused for different applications, often require high return costs, and result in waste due to non-interchangeability with standard pallet containers, or are too expensive and complex to manufacture.

Innovation Solution

A container comprising a pallet with a metal cage forming a lattice structure, a flexible outer envelope, and an inner plastic bag that unfolds from a flattened to a parallelepipedal configuration, allowing for standard dimensions that enable stackability and reuse across various applications, with the inner bag being removable and the outer envelope providing additional rigidity and protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If a rigid framework with inner and outer vessels is used to create a multi-use container, then the container can be reused for multiple journeys, but the container cannot be used with different filling heads and requires disposal of both vessels after first use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer reuse capabilityVSAvoidcompatibility with different filling heads

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The container is divided into three independent components: a rigid outer cage, an intermediate flexible envelope, and an inner collapsible bag. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling the outer cage to be reused while the inner bag can be easily replaced or adapted for different applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inner bag is extracted from the rigid framework connection, allowing it to be independently removable. The filling head connects directly to the inner bag rather than being permanently joined to the outer structure, enabling versatility with different filling heads while maintaining container reuse capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Strength

If inner and outer envelopes are sewn or glued together to form a rigid structure, then the container provides structural strength, but the manufacturing process becomes extremely complicated and the outer envelope cannot be reused

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer structural strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container structure is segmented into three independent components (cage, envelope, bag) that are not permanently joined. The flexible envelope is placed within the metal cage without being sewn or glued to it, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining structural strength through the cage's support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediate envelope is made of flexible material that provides protection and structure without requiring complex joining processes. This flexible shell approach eliminates the need for sewing or gluing operations while maintaining adequate structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Duration of action of stationary object

If a non-standard pallet container design is used to achieve multi-use capability, then the container can be reused for the same application, but it is not interchangeable with other pallet containers and requires high return costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer reuse capabilityVSAvoidinterchangeability with standard containers

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The outer metal cage is designed with universal dimensions and features that allow it to function as a standard pallet container. This enables the cage to be reused across different applications and interchangeably with other standard containers, while the inner bag can be customized for specific uses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of manufacture

If a collapsible frame is used to allow non-assembled shipping, then the container can be manufactured in separate parts, but the frame and inner liner cannot be reused

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturability in separate partsVSAvoidcontainer reuse capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The container is designed with segmented components including a collapsible metal cage that can be shipped in a flattened state and easily reassembled. The cage's modular structure allows for easy manufacturing and assembly while being designed for multiple reuse cycles after assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8424682B2Transport and storage container

Publication Date: 2013.04.23 GREIF INT HLDG BV

AI summary

A container for transport and storage of liquids comprises a pallet and a metal cage of standard dimensions. The container comprises also an inner bag made of plastic material, an outer envelope disposed between the inner bag and the metal cage, and fastened to the metal cage. The inner bag is not fastened to the outer envelope and is configured to be filled to unfold from an empty condition, in which the inner bag is in a flattened and folded configuration to a filled condition, in which the inner bag is in a parallelepipedal and unfolded configuration, having a volume corresponding substantially to the volume of the housing of the cage and being surrounded by the outer envelope and the metal cage.