Container Lid Lock Mechanism Prevents Accidental Opening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing container lids often inadvertently open due to accidental operation of the push button, leading to unintended spillage of contents.

Innovation Solution

A container lid design featuring a lock mechanism, such as a carry loop, that inhibits inadvertent operation of the push button, ensuring secure closure and preventing accidental opening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a push button release mechanism is used for the closure, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to accidental operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A lock mechanism acts as an intermediary between the push button and the closure. The lock must be deliberately manipulated (rotated or pressed) to disengage, preventing accidental release while allowing intentional opening. This mediator component blocks the direct transmission of force from the push button to the closure unless the lock is in the unlocked state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The lock mechanism applies preliminary anti-action by being in a default engaged state that prevents the push button from operating the closure. The user must first perform an additional action (unlocking) before the push button can release the closure, thereby preventing inadvertent operation while preserving ease of intentional opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Reliability

If a lock mechanism is added to prevent accidental opening, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock mechanism is merged with the existing push button release system rather than being a completely separate component. The lock and push button work together as an integrated assembly, where the lock modifies the operation of the push button rather than requiring a separate locking system. This reduces overall complexity compared to fully independent locking and releasing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lock mechanism serves multiple functions: it prevents accidental opening, provides a means to securely close the container, and can serve as a carry handle. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving improved reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3762304B1Container lid with button release and lock

Publication Date: 2022.04.20 RUNWAY BLUE LLC

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AI summary

A container lid includes a container top, a lid opening, a closure, a push button, and a lock. The container top may be sized and configured to be attached to a container body. The lid opening may be formed in the container top. The closure may be movably coupled to the container top and may be movable between first and second positions in which the lid opening is, respectively, covered or uncovered. The push button may be configured to selectively retain the closure in the first position, and may be movable between latched and unlatched positions. The lock may be movable between locked and unlocked positions and in the locked position may be configured to inhibit movement of the push button from the latched to the unlatched position.