Arc-Shaped Rim Double Seal for Leak-Resistant Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Plastic storage container systems face challenges in maintaining a secure seal, especially when exposed to agitation or dishwasher conditions, leading to potential leakage and user uncertainty about the seal's effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The container system features a rim with a first and second sealing part, both extending along arcs, and a corresponding lid with matching sealing parts, forming offset contact areas to create a double seal, along with protuberances for alignment and tactile cues, enhancing the seal's integrity and user confidence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single sealing mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of the seal deteriorates under agitation and dishwasher conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing mechanism is divided into two distinct sealing parts: a first sealing part and a second sealing part, each capable of independently forming a seal. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliable sealing under various conditions while keeping each individual sealing part relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The two sealing parts are positioned at different vertical locations, creating a multi-level sealing arrangement. This vertical dimensionality adds redundancy to the sealing system, ensuring that if one sealing part is compromised, the other can still maintain seal integrity.
2Reliability
If the sealing structures are made robust to maintain shape through dishwasher cleaning, then the reliability improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to increased engagement force
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing force is distributed across two separate sealing parts at different vertical positions, reducing the force requirement at each individual sealing interface while maintaining overall seal durability through the combined effect of both sealing parts.
Solution Approach 2:
Each sealing part is designed with specific local geometric features optimized for its sealing function, allowing the sealing structures to be sufficiently robust for dishwasher cleaning while maintaining reasonable engagement forces through localized design optimizations.
3Reliability
If the rim structures are designed with complex geometric features to prevent deformation, then the reliability improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The rim is divided into multiple segments including the first sealing part, second sealing part, and connecting portions, each with simplified geometric features that are easier to manufacture with high precision compared to a complex monolithic design.
Solution Approach 2:
The rim portions connecting the sealing parts feature curved geometries that naturally distribute stress and resist deformation, providing reliable shape stability while being amenable to standard manufacturing processes with achievable precision tolerances.
Data Source
AI summary
A container system includes a container having a plurality of sidewalls and a rim extending from the sidewalls at a top of the container. The rim of the container includes a first sealing part and a second sealing part. Parts of the rim extend along arcs as viewed from above the container. The container system also includes a lid for sealing the container, with the lid having a rim that includes a first sealing part that is configured to contact the first sealing part of the rim of the container to form a first sealing area, and a second sealing part that is configured to contact the second sealing part of the rim of the container to form a second sealing area. Parts of the rim of the lid extend along arcs as viewed from above the lid. The container may be tightly sealed by the lid.