Container Lid Closure With Gravity-Biased Counterweight Modularity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container lids for water filtering devices have a monolithic construction of closure elements and counterweights, limiting the ability to use different counterweights based on the size and weight of the opening, which restricts flexibility in design and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A container lid with a pivotable closure element and a separate, independently mounted counterweight, connected by a pivotable bias element that falls by gravity to control the closure, allowing for adjustable weight and size compatibility with various openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a monolithic construction of closure element and counterweight is used, then the structural integrity and simplicity of the device is improved, but the adaptability to different opening sizes and weights is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional components: the closure element and the counterweight are no longer monolithically connected but are instead separable through the intermediary bias element. This segmentation allows independent selection and adjustment of each component to match different opening sizes and weight requirements, resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
A pivotable bias element is introduced as an intermediary component between the closure element and the counterweight. This mediator allows the two elements to be mechanically connected while maintaining independence, enabling the counterweight to be adjusted or replaced without replacing the entire closure assembly, thus achieving both stability and adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different counterweights are selected based on opening size and closure element weight, then the adaptability and functionality are improved, but the device complexity and production process are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the counterweight from the closure element, the system allows modular assembly where standard counterweight components can be selected and attached to match different closure element weights and opening sizes, simplifying the production process compared to custom-monolithic designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The bias element serves multiple functions: it connects the closure element to the counterweight, provides pivotable movement, and enables easy replacement of counterweights. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized components for each configuration, thereby reducing overall device complexity and production complexity.
3Ease of operation
If a pivotable bias element is introduced between closure element and lid, then the adaptability and ease of assembly are improved, but the device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The bias element is designed to automatically provide the necessary counterbalancing force through its pivotable connection, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms or additional components. The system self-regulates based on the weight distribution, simplifying assembly while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The bias element allows for easy adjustment of the counterweight parameter by enabling simple replacement of the counterweight component. This parameter change capability improves ease of assembly and adaptation without requiring complex mechanical adjustments, offsetting the minor increase in component count.
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 simplifies the production process by enabling the use of various closure elements and counterweights, ensuring efficient automatic opening and closing mechanisms that adapt to different container sizes, while providing a visible consumption meter for monitoring usage.
Implementation Method 1
a pivotable bias element is provided between the closure element and the lid, the bias element falling by gravity on the counterweight part and causing that the closing part is being pressed to the opening
Data Source
AI summary
Lid for a container for filling the container from above, the opening being closable by a pivotable closure element mounted on an inner side of the lid so as to be rotatable about a first axis (X) which axis is horizontal when the lid is located on top of the container. The closure element includes a first part for closing the top of the container located on one side of the axis (X), and a second part as a counterweight on the other side of the axis (X). A pivotable bias element is rotatably mounted on the inner side of the lid on a second axis (Y) which is parallel to the first axis (X). The bias element is biased onto the second part by gravity and causes the first part to be pressed to the opening.