Ball-and-Socket Hinge for Swiveling Container Lid
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hinged lids on containers like ice chests face issues such as lack of accessible surface for item removal or preparation, ice obstruction, lid instability, and hindrance during cleaning, as they either lack swivel functionality or cannot be easily disengaged for full access.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of ball-and-socket hinges that allow the lid to swing conventionally, swivel sideways in a continuous arc, and be easily disengaged for complete removal, providing a stable surface and preventing accidental closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional hinged lid is used, then the lid can swing up conventionally, but it cannot swivel sideways to provide a stable surface for item preparation
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism transitions from a static conventional hinge to a dynamic system that can switch between two modes of operation. The ball-and-socket joint with movable pin allows the lid to dynamically change its rotation axis from vertical (conventional swinging motion) to horizontal (swiveling motion), providing adaptability while maintaining operational stability in each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a new dimension of motion by introducing horizontal swiveling capability alongside the traditional vertical swinging motion. The ball-and-socket hinge enables the lid to rotate in multiple planes, transforming a one-dimensional rotation into a two-dimensional movement capability, thereby creating a stable horizontal surface when swiveled.
2Reliability
If the lid is made firmly attached, then it provides stability, but it cannot be easily disengaged for complete removal or cleaning access
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge incorporates a dynamic locking mechanism where the pin can be positioned in locked and unlocked states. When locked, the ball-and-socket joint firmly attaches the lid to the container, providing stability during use. When unlocked, the pin can be removed or repositioned, allowing easy disengagement and complete removal of the lid for cleaning or storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge is divided into separable components including the ball, socket, and pin elements that can be independently manipulated. This segmentation allows the lid to be firmly attached when all components are engaged, but easily disassembled by separating the pin from the socket, enabling complete removal without damaging the lid or container.
3Ease of operation
If the lid swings freely, then it provides easy access, but it can fall back down unintentionally causing inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge system dynamically adjusts the lid's degree of freedom through the ball-and-socket mechanism. When the pin is engaged, the lid is constrained to specific rotational paths and positions, preventing unintentional closure. When the pin is disengaged, the lid gains freedom to swing and swivel for easy access, allowing the user to control the lid's position intentionally.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a novel hinge design that allows unique operation of the lid for a container, box, storage chest, ice chest or similar item. In addition to the lid being able to flip up on two hinges as is traditional, the present invention allows the lid to swivel to one side or the other, while remaining in the horizontal plane. This is accomplished, in the exemplary embodiment, by means of two inventive ball-and-socket hinges each of which can have its ball disengaged from its socket. If one ball-and-socket hinge is thus disengaged, the lid is then free to rotate horizontally around the other ball-and-socket hinge, thereby swiveling the lid to one side and effectively opening the box or container. The lid, when opened in this fashion, is amply supported by the end of the box over which it sits, and can act as a table or flat surface for organizing items as they are transferred to or from the box or container. The horizontal lid can swivel in either direction, providing broad access to either end of the container. If broader access is desired, the lid can also be completely removed by simultaneously disengaging both hinges.