Container having a push-button activated, pop-open lid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spring-based push-button mechanisms for disposable wipe dispensers suffer from deformation, increased material costs, bulkier appearance, and complications in recycling due to the use of non-plastic components, which compromise moisture retention and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A rigid flip top assembly with a lever and flange design that uses a pivot mechanism to open the lid without a separate spring component, utilizing a ring lever and integral latch system to maintain closure and open the container using built-in potential energy conversion to kinetic energy, eliminating the need for rubber, silicone, or metal components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a compressed spring is used in the push-button mechanism, then the lid can be opened with simple operation, but the spring causes deformation of dispenser components over time and increases material cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spring component entirely from the push-button mechanism. Instead of using a spring to provide opening force, the design uses a cam mechanism where the button directly actuates the lid through geometric conversion of pressing motion to lifting motion, eliminating the source of component deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the spring-based mechanical system with a cam-based mechanical system. The cam mechanism converts the vertical pressing motion of the button into the rotational or lifting motion needed to open the lid, providing the same functional result without requiring elastic storage elements that cause deformation
2Ease of operation
If a compressed spring is used in the push-button mechanism, then the lid can be opened with simple operation, but the spring increases the headspace requirement and makes the package bulkier
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the spring component, the patent eliminates the need for headspace required for spring compression and expansion. The cam mechanism achieves lid opening within a much smaller vertical envelope, reducing overall package height and eliminating bulkiness
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism converts the vertical pressing dimension into rotational or lateral lid movement, allowing the opening action to occur in a different dimensional space. This reduces the vertical headspace requirement while maintaining operational simplicity
3Ease of operation
If a compressed spring is used in the push-button mechanism, then the lid can be opened with simple operation, but the spring complicates recycling efforts due to non-plastic material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the push-button mechanism entirely from plastic materials that match the housing material. The button, cam, and lid are all molded from the same or compatible plastics, creating a homogeneous structure that can be recycled together as a single material type, eliminating the need to separate metal or rubber spring components
4Reliability
If the wall sections are made thicker to address spring deformation, then component durability improves, but polymer cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the spring entirely, the patent eliminates the root cause of component deformation. This allows the use of thinner wall sections since the problematic spring is no longer present to exert cyclic loading on the housing walls, thereby reducing polymer material consumption while maintaining durability
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
This design enhances the durability and recyclability of the dispenser while maintaining intuitive operation, reducing material costs and environmental impact by eliminating the need for non-plastic components and minimizing the size and weight of the packaging.
Implementation Method 1
The lever has a first end and a second end, the lid being connected to the flange at a hinge proximate the second end, the lever extending in the longitudinal direction over a fulcrum. When a force is applied to the lever proximate the first end, the lever pivots at the fulcrum about a pivot axis, and the second end of the lever moves the lid from the closed position toward an open position.
Data Source
AI summary
A container for dispensing product includes a housing having an interior space. A rigid flip top assembly is disposed on the housing, and includes a lever, a lid, and a flange. The lid covers a dispensing orifice when in a closed position. The lever has a first end and a second end, and the lid is connected to the flange at a hinge proximate the second end. The lever longitudinally extends over a fulcrum. When a force is applied to the lever proximate the first end, the lever pivots at the fulcrum about a pivot axis, and the second end of the lever moves the lid from the closed position toward an open position.