Variable-Width Annular Rib Resists Container Ovalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hot-fill plastic containers with grip panels tend to deform due to internal pressure or vacuum forces, leading to ovalization, as the circumferential ribs can 'open' when grip panels flex inward, exacerbating distortion.
Innovation Solution
A plastic container design featuring a horizontally-extending annular rib with a variable width, circumferentially and longitudinally offset from the grip panel, which helps resist deformation by maintaining structural integrity and constraining collapse directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a circumferential rib is provided in a hot-fill container with grip panels, then the container can resist vacuum pressure, but the rib may open when grip panels flex inward, causing ovalization
Solution Approach 1:
The annular rib is designed with variable cross-sectional properties along its circumference. Specifically, the rib has a greater height or thickness in regions where grip panels are located (to accommodate panel flexing) and maintains optimal structural dimensions in regions between grip panels. This local variation in rib geometry allows the container to resist vacuum pressure while preventing rib opening and ovalization at critical locations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If grip panels are added to allow inward flexing for vacuum accommodation, then vacuum pressure can be accommodated, but the panels urge the circumferential rib to open, increasing ovalization
Solution Approach 1:
The annular rib incorporates localized structural variations where it interfaces with grip panels. The rib height or thickness is increased specifically at these interface regions to provide adequate support during panel flexing, while maintaining appropriate dimensions elsewhere to prevent overall rib opening and container ovalization.
Solution Approach 2:
The annular rib can be viewed as segmented into different functional zones: regions with enhanced dimensions for supporting grip panel flexing, and regions with standard dimensions for maintaining overall structural integrity. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Data Source
AI summary
A plastic container includes a base, a neck portion with a dispensing opening, and a body portion. The body portion includes a horizontally-extending annular rib and a grip panel. The horizontally-extending annular rib may extend around the circumference of the body portion. The annular rib includes a variable vertical width and includes a pinch segment that is circumferentially and longitudinally offset from the grip panel. With some embodiments, the plastic container includes two grip panels and/or at least two horizontally-extending annular ribs.