Adjustable Box Top Lid for Multi-Size Cereal Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing packaging systems for breakfast cereals require multiple lids with different dimensions to fit variously sized boxes, making it tedious to open and close the packaging for dispensing cereal, as the dimensions of the box tops vary significantly in length.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable lid with two interconnected sections that can move relative to each other, allowing the lid to fit over the top opening of different-sized containers by adjusting its length, ensuring it can be removably attached to the open top of breakfast cereal boxes of various sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lids with different dimensions are used to fit variously sized boxes, then each box size can be properly covered, but the complexity of the packaging system increases and it becomes tedious to open and close
Solution Approach 1:
The lid incorporates a telescoping mechanism with movable sections that can extend and retract to match different box top dimensions. This dynamic adjustment capability allows a single lid design to accommodate multiple box sizes, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-size lids and reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid is designed as a universal fit solution where one lid structure can serve multiple box sizes through its adjustable length. The telescoping mechanism enables the lid to perform the function of covering different尺寸的盒子的顶部，making it multi-functional rather than requiring separate lids for each box size.
2Device complexity
If a fixed-length lid is used, then the lid structure is simple, but it cannot fit boxes with different length dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The lid transitions from a static fixed-length structure to a dynamic telescoping structure that can change its length. The movable sections with connecting mechanisms allow the lid to adapt its dimensions while maintaining structural integrity, thus achieving versatility without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid is divided into multiple sections that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the lid to adjust its overall length by extending or retracting the sections, enabling it to fit different box sizes while keeping each individual section relatively simple in design.
3Ease of manufacture
If the lid has fixed sections, then manufacturing is simpler, but the lid cannot be adjusted to different lengths for different containers
Solution Approach 1:
The lid incorporates movable sections with connecting mechanisms that allow length adjustment. While more complex than fixed sections, the modular design with standardized connecting components maintains reasonable manufacturability while achieving the desired adaptability for different container sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid is segmented into multiple sections that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This modular approach allows each section to be produced using standard manufacturing processes, and the connecting mechanisms enable assembly into different configurations, balancing manufacturing ease with adjustment capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable box top lid is removably attachable to each container of a plurality of separate containers with each container having a rectangular top opening with a length dimension that is different from length dimensions of the top openings of the other containers of the plurality of containers. The adjustable lid includes first and second separate sections that are connected together and are movable relative to each other when connected to adjust a length of the lid. The adjustable length of the lid enables the lid to be removably attachable to each of the containers over the rectangular top opening of each container. One of the lid sections is provided with an opening and a removable cap over the opening that can be removed to allow the dispensing of food products from the container to which the lid is attached.