Closure Indicator Dimples for Lid Securement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lids for containers often fail to provide a clear indication of proper securing, leading to potential spillage due to gaps or tolerances between the lid and the container, resulting in leaks or complete dislodgment during use or accidental drops.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a closure indicator featuring a plurality of inverted dimples along the outer side wall of the lid that project outward when the lid is securely attached to the container, allowing for both visual and tactile confirmation of proper attachment, along with parallel ribs on the inner side wall for enhanced sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the lid is secured onto the container without a clear indication mechanism, then the structure remains simple, but the user cannot easily determine if the lid is properly secured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual indicators (dimples that change appearance) to communicate closure status. When the lid is properly secured, the dimples change from a recessed state to a protruding state, providing clear visual feedback to the user about the closure status without adding complex electronic or mechanical indicator systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid structure itself provides the indication mechanism through its own deformation. The dimples are formed as part of the lid body and automatically change position based on whether the lid is properly secured or not, eliminating the need for separate indicator components or external monitoring systems.
2Ease of operation
If gaps or tolerances exist between the lid rim and container brim, then the lid can be easily attached, but the lid may become dislodged during use or accidental drops
Solution Approach 1:
The lid attachment system is divided into multiple functional segments: the rim for attachment, the dimples for indication, and the support bases for structural reinforcement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together to provide both easy attachment and reliable securement.
Solution Approach 2:
The dimples provide immediate feedback to the user about whether the lid is properly secured. When the lid is correctly attached, the dimples protrude outward, giving tactile and visual confirmation. This feedback mechanism helps users ensure proper attachment while maintaining the simplicity of the overall design.
3Productivity
If the lid is applied quickly without proper securing, then productivity is maintained, but the lid may not be properly fastened leading to spillage
Solution Approach 1:
The dimples are pre-formed as part of the lid structure during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that when the lid is quickly attached to the container, the dimples are already in position to provide immediate feedback about proper securing, eliminating the need for post-attachment checking or adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid provides its own verification mechanism through the dimples, which automatically indicate whether proper securing has occurred. This self-service approach allows users to quickly confirm proper attachment without requiring additional tools, time, or complex procedures, thus maintaining productivity while ensuring reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A lid for a container includes: a closure having a disk shape and a circumferential rim extending about a periphery of the closure; the circumferential rim further comprising an annular inner side wall, an annular outer side wall, wherein the outer side wall extends around the inner side wall and is opposite to the inner side wall, the outer side wall and inner side wall being interconnected by an annular top wall, the annular top wall interconnecting the outer side wall to the inner side wall, wherein the combination of the annular inner side wall, the annular outer side wall and the annular top wall define a channel; and a brim lock in the annular outer side wall for fastening the lid to the container; a plurality of dimples inverted along the annular outer side wall, wherein the plurality of dimples of the annular outer side wall project into the channel from the outer surface of the annular outer side wall and configured to be non-inverted dimples when the lid is secured onto the container.