Container Cover Latch Structure for One-Handed Leak Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current container cover structures either require both hands to operate or lack a latch mechanism, leading to accidental opening and leakage, especially when only one hand is available for operation.
Innovation Solution
A single-hand operable cover structure with a latch mechanism comprising a first latch seat, a second latch seat, and a sliding latch bolt, allowing for convenient operation along an arc line while preventing accidental opening, featuring a toggle switch with double latches for secure closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a thread segment latch mechanism is used to secure the cover, then the container is reliably sealed against leakage, but both hands are required to operate the latch simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is divided into two independent latch arms (first latch arm and second latch arm) that can be operated separately. Each latch arm has its own latch hole and can be engaged or disengaged independently, allowing one-handed operation while maintaining secure sealing through dual latching points.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch arms are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to be flexed outward for easy one-handed engagement or disengagement. The dynamic nature of the latch arms enables simple operational gestures (pushing or pulling) while maintaining reliable sealing when engaged.
2Ease of operation
If a simple fastener is used to enable one-handed opening, then ease of operation is improved, but the cover can be inadvertently opened causing leakage
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the cover structure have different functional qualities: the latch arms provide secure engagement with latch holes, while the push button provides easy one-handed operation. The localized placement of the push button on one of the latch arms allows selective activation of that specific latch without affecting the other, preventing accidental opening while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The push button acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates a simple pressing motion into the disengagement of the latch arm from the latch hole. This intermediary element makes the latch release operation simple and one-handed while maintaining reliable sealing during normal use.
3Reliability
If a latch mechanism with multiple components is implemented to prevent accidental opening, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism integrates multiple functions into a unified structure: the latch arms serve both as securing elements and as levers for one-handed operation; the push buttons are integrated directly onto the latch arms; and the entire mechanism is mounted on the container flange as a single assembly. This merging reduces overall complexity while maintaining dual-latch reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch arms serve multiple functions: they provide secure engagement with the latch holes, act as levers for easy disengagement via push buttons, and can be positioned to allow one-handed operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall device while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A cover structure of a container is provided. The cover structure has a bottom cover assembled on an opening of the container's body, a top cover openably and pivotally connected with the bottom cover to simultaneously cover the bottom cover and an outlet of a watering seat assembled on the opening of the container's body, and a latch mechanism disposed between the top cover and the bottom cover. The latch mechanism has a first latch seat assembled on the top cover, a second latch seat elastically, horizontally and movably assembled between a first position and a second position of the bottom cover, and a sliding latch bolt vertically and slidably assembled between a third position and a fourth position of the second latch seat.