Button-Actuated Cam Gasket for Storage Container Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage container lids fail to effectively seal with the container, leading to issues with moisture retention and contamination of stored items.
Innovation Solution
A storage container assembly featuring a lid with a button-activated gasket mechanism that moves from a contracted to an expanded state to seal against the container's inner surface, utilizing a cam and gasket system for secure sealing, and a method for easy assembly of the lid components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional lid design is used, then the device complexity is low, but the sealing reliability is insufficient leading to moisture retention and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is divided into multiple functional components: a stationary lid body, a movable gasket, and a cam mechanism with lobes. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the gasket provides sealing contact, the cam lobes control gasket movement, and the lid body provides structural support - thereby achieving reliable sealing without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket is designed as a movable component that transitions between contracted and expanded states rather than remaining static. This dynamic behavior allows the gasket to actively engage with the container surface when needed (providing reliable sealing) while remaining compact during transport or storage (managing structural complexity).
2Reliability
If a button-activated gasket mechanism is implemented, then the sealing reliability improves, but the ease of operation increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The cam lobes act as an intermediary mechanism between the button and the gasket. When the button is pressed, it rotates the cam, which then converts this rotational motion into the linear expansion movement of the gasket through its lobed geometry. This intermediary mechanism translates a simple button press into the complex gasket expansion motion needed for reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The design replaces a potentially complex multi-component mechanical actuation system with a cam-based mechanism. The cam lobes convert simple rotational motion from the button into the desired linear expansion of the gasket, simplifying the overall actuation system while maintaining reliable sealing performance.
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 solution ensures a reliable seal, preventing moisture ingress and contamination while allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, enhancing the usability and effectiveness of the storage container.
Implementation Method 1
a gasket moveable with respect to the lid between a contracted state and an expanded state
Data Source
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AI summary
A storage container assembly includes a container having an opening and a lid for covering the opening. The lid includes a top lid, a button, a cam, a base, a lower plate and a gasket. The button is moveable in a first axial direction with respect to the top lid between a projected position and a depressed position. The cam is configured to cooperate with the button such that the button maintains the depressed position when moved from the projected position to the depressed position, and the button remains in the depressed position until pressed again while in the depressed position. The lower plate is connected with the top lid. The gasket is moveable between a contracted state and an expanded state in response to alternate actuations of the button, and the gasket is interposed between the lower plate and the top lid.