Casket Sidewall Stretch Bending and Lid Torsion Spring Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Caskets made of sheet metal require labor-intensive and costly welding and finishing of seams, which can lead to corrosion and failure, and existing lids lack controlled movement, potentially causing emotional distress during viewings.
Innovation Solution
A casket design featuring a sheet metal sidewall with a maximum of two seams, achieved through stretch bending, and a self-locating lid with double torsion springs and a gooseneck-shaped cam for controlled movement, reducing labor and cost while ensuring smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional sheet metal caskets are made with four sidewall panels requiring welding of seams, then the casket structure is complete and functional, but labor and expense increase due to welding and finishing requirements, and quality decreases due to potential corrosion and cracking at seam locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges four separate sidewall panels into a single continuous sheet metal piece through stretch bending, eliminating the need for welding seams between panels. This combining approach reduces manufacturing complexity and eliminates seam-related reliability issues while maintaining the structural integrity of the casket sidewall.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies stretch bending to change the physical parameters of the sheet metal, transforming it from a flat or simply formed state into a three-dimensional sidewall structure with rounded corners. This parameter change enables the creation of a seamless sidewall that maintains structural strength while eliminating weld joints.
2Ease of operation
If traditional casket lids are attached with simple hinges allowing free movement, then the lid is easy to manufacture, but the lid may close in an uncontrolled manner causing emotional distress during viewings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a torsion spring into the hinge mechanism, transforming the static hinge into a dynamic system that actively controls lid movement. The torsion spring provides continuous force to regulate the lid's motion, ensuring it closes smoothly and stops at appropriate positions rather than slamming shut unexpectedly.
Solution Approach 2:
The torsion spring acts as an intermediary element between the lid and the hinge pivot point, mediating the force transmission and motion control. This intermediate component absorbs and regulates the energy of lid movement, providing controlled operation while maintaining mechanical simplicity.
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 design reduces production costs and enhances casket quality by minimizing seams and providing a controlled lid movement, preventing uncontrolled closure and potential emotional distress during viewings.
Implementation Method 1
each hinge having a double torsion spring with two spaced-apart torsion springs
Implementation Method 2
a cam that engages with the C-shaped section of the double torsion spring such that the lid can be moved from an open position to a closed position
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a container having a sheet metal floor, a sheet metal sidewall shell having four round seamless corners and a maximum of two sidewall seams. The container can be a casket with a lid, and a pair of hinges pivotally attaching the lid to the sidewall. The sheet metal sidewall shell can be made from a stretch-bent sheet metal sidewall panel. In some instances, the sheet metal sidewall shell has only one seam that may or may not be a welded seam.