Bistable Flange Mechanism for Reliable Container Lid Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container arrangements face difficulties in achieving reliable repeated closing and opening, which affects the maintenance of freshness in food containers, as users find it challenging to securely seal the lid back onto the container after initial opening.
Innovation Solution
A bistable flange mechanism with elastic characteristics is integrated into the container and lid, allowing the flange to flip between two stable positions, facilitating secure closure and easy release by applying a force perpendicular to the opening plane, ensuring a tight seal around the entire periphery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional container lid arrangement is used, then the container can be closed and opened, but it is difficult for the user to achieve the desired closing and sealing of the container once opened
Solution Approach 1:
The flange is designed with bistable characteristics, allowing it to dynamically switch between two stable positions (first stable position during opening, second stable position during closing). This dynamic behavior enables the flange to automatically assume the correct position for sealing when the lid is placed on the container, making the closing operation easier and more reliable without requiring precise user control.
Solution Approach 2:
The bistable flange mechanism is self-actuating based on the natural motion of lid attachment. When the lid is placed on the container, the flange automatically transitions from the first stable position to the second stable position through the engagement of the shoulder, without requiring additional user action. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable sealing while simplifying the user's closing operation.
2Ease of operation
If a bistable flange mechanism is implemented, then the lid securing and releasing process is simplified, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lid assembly is segmented into distinct functional elements: the lid body, the collar, the shoulder, and the bistable flange. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together as a system. The flange's bistable mechanism is separated from the main lid structure, making the overall system easier to manufacture and understand despite the added functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange's material properties and geometric parameters are specifically designed to achieve bistability. By controlling parameters such as thickness, curvature, and material elasticity, the flange naturally exhibits two stable positions without requiring complex mechanical linkages or additional actuators. This parameter-based approach simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining the desired operational ease.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The bistable flange mechanism simplifies the process of securing and releasing the lid, providing a reliable and efficient sealing mechanism that maintains freshness by ensuring consistent pressure around the container opening, suitable for repeated use without compromising the container's integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a flange extending from said container wall towards the collar of the lid, or from said collar towards the container wall, said flange has mechanically bistable characteristics such that it is flippable between a first and a second stable position by a force applied in the direction towards the other stable position
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
The present invention relates to an arrangement for assisted securing/releasing of a lid (40; 50) to/from a container (10; 20; 30). The arrangement comprises: a container; a lid configured to close the container; and a flange with mechanically bistable characteristics such that it is flippable between a first (P1) and a second (P2) stable position by a force applied in the direction towards the other stable position. The container is closed by arranging the lid over the opening and apply a force in the direction towards the container to flip the flange from the first (P1) to the second stable position (P2), and the lid released from the container by applying a force in the direction from the container to flip the flange back to the first stable position (P1)