Pivoting Container Cover Hinge with Segmented Lug
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container designs with pivotable covers face issues where the cover detaches from the container when opened or closed, requiring additional metal brackets for attachment, which complicates assembly, increases costs, and hinders recycling due to mixed materials.
Innovation Solution
A plastic container with hinges featuring a stepped configuration, where each hinge knuckle has a lug and cutout extending over an arcuate wall section, allowing the cover to be securely attached without additional components, enabling easy installation and complete recyclability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hinge knuckle with a slot is used to attach the cover to the container, then the cover can be opened and closed, but the cover detaches from the container when opened or closed
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge knuckle is divided into two functional segments: an arcuate wall section that fits into the container slot and a lug that extends beyond the slot end. This segmentation allows the hinge to maintain attachment while enabling pivot movement, as the lug prevents disengagement during opening/closing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge knuckle transitions from a two-dimensional slot fit to a three-dimensional configuration with the lug extending in the longitudinal direction. This dimensional addition creates a mechanical interlock that prevents detachment while maintaining the pivot function through the arcuate wall section.
2Reliability
If a metal bracket is added to surround the hinge and close the open slit, then the cover can be captured on the container, but additional assembly work and costs are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge knuckle integrates multiple functions into a single component: the arcuate wall section provides the pivot mechanism, while the lug provides the retention function. This merging eliminates the need for separate metal brackets, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining reliable cover capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge knuckle is constructed entirely from plastic material, matching the container and cover materials. This homogeneity eliminates the need for metal brackets and simplifies assembly, as the hinge can be installed using the same molding process without requiring additional fastening operations.
3Reliability
If a metal bracket is used to prevent cover detachment, then the cover can be captured on the container, but complete recycling is prevented due to mixed materials
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge knuckle is made entirely of plastic material, creating a homogeneous plastic component that can be easily separated and recycled with the container and cover. This eliminates the presence of metal brackets, enabling complete recycling of the container system while maintaining reliable cover capture functionality.
4Reliability
If the hinge knuckle length is made greater than the slot length, then the cover remains attached during opening, but installation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge knuckle is designed with dynamic installation characteristics: during assembly, the arcuate wall section can be inserted into the slot with the lug extending beyond, allowing the cover to be positioned. During operation, the same geometry ensures the lug maintains engagement with the slot end, preventing detachment while enabling smooth opening and closing.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a container (1) having a cover (2) which is connected to the container (1) by at least two hinge arrangements (3) so that it can be opened and closed about a pivot axis (a) relative to the container (1). For permanent attachment of the cover to the container each hinge arrangement (3) comprises: a hinge gudgeon (4) disposed on the cover (2) with a casing section (5) formed in some sections in a dish shape on which a web (6) extending in the direction of the pivot axis (a) is formed; and a slot (7) introduced into the upper edge region of the container (1) and extending in the direction of the pivot axis (a) for receiving the casing section (5) formed in some sections in a dish shape, wherein the extent (b) of the casing section (5) together with the web (6) measured in the direction of the pivot axis (a) is greater than the extent (c) of the slot (7) measured in the direction of the pivot axis (a).