Container Lid Hinge and Bead Structure for Secure Cap Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lids for containers that dispense sheet materials face issues such as damage to connection components, difficulty in moving between open and closed configurations, and improper alignment with dispensing openings, leading to impaired access and potential failure.
Innovation Solution
A lid design featuring a bi-stable hinge with reduced thickness in the area below the hinge, coupled with a tapered bead attachment to the container, allowing for reduced tension forces and enhanced flexibility, ensuring automatic alignment and secure closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users grasp and pull on the cap to remove the lid from the container, then the lid can be removed for starting the sheet material, but large forces are induced on the connection between the cap and the base, possibly damaging or completely severing these connection components
Solution Approach 1:
The bead is divided into different circumferential sections with different radial thicknesses. The first circumferential section has a greater radial thickness to provide strong connection, while the second circumferential section has a reduced radial thickness to reduce tension forces on the hinge during lid removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The bead has non-uniform radial thickness distributed around the circumference. Specifically, the radial thickness varies in the second circumferential section to optimize the balance between connection strength and tension force reduction, with the thinnest point located at the midpoint of this section.
2Ease of operation
If the cap is made movable between open and closed configurations, then the opening and closing function is enabled, but it can be difficult for users to move the cap, and the cap may not fully open or close or align with the dispensing opening
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is designed with reduced width and flexible material properties to enable easy movement of the cap between open and closed configurations. The hinge acts as a flexible connection that allows smooth rotation while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge dimensions are optimized with a width between 0.25-0.50 inches and specific thickness variations to provide the right balance of flexibility for movement and strength for reliable closure. The hinge connects the cap to the base in a manner that enables full opening and closing motion with proper alignment.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the bead is made with uniform thickness around the circumference, then the connection to the container is consistent, but tension forces on the hinge during lid removal are maximized
Solution Approach 1:
The bead has non-uniform radial thickness distributed around the circumference. Specifically, the radial thickness varies in the second circumferential section to optimize the balance between connection strength and tension force reduction, with the thinnest point located at the midpoint of this section.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial thickness of the bead is varied around the circumference, with the second circumferential section having reduced thickness compared to the first circumferential section. This parameter change reduces the tension forces transmitted to the hinge while maintaining adequate connection strength.
Data Source
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AI summary
A lid for a container includes a base with a sidewall having a first end and an opposite second end defining a longitudinal axis. A cover disposed at the second end and defining an opening, and a bead extends inwardly from the sidewall relative to the longitudinal axis and proximate the first end. The bead has an extension distance and a portion of the bead has a reduced extension distance. The lid also includes a cap configured to couple to the base and selectively engage the cover proximate the opening.