Food Container Lid Release Lever Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional food containers with lid closure and release mechanisms often damage cake frosting or decorations when the lid is removed, as they require lifting the lid away from the base, which can interact with the cake.

Innovation Solution

A container design featuring a base with a lock projection and lever projection mechanism that allows the lid to be easily opened and closed without lifting it from the supporting surface, using a pivot mechanism to disengage the lock projection and urge the lid out of the base channel, enabling safe removal without disturbing the cake.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the lid is removed by lifting it away from the base, then the lid can be easily removed from the container, but the lid can interact with the cake and damage the cake frosting or decorations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelid removalVSAvoidcake damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The closure mechanism is segmented into separate functional components: a lock projection that secures the lid, a lever projection that actuates the release, and a hinge that enables controlled movement. This segmentation allows the lid to be released without direct manual manipulation that could damage the cake.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The closure mechanism is self-servicing through the lever projection that automatically actuates the lock projection when pressed. The hinge allows the lid to pivot and disengage automatically, eliminating the need for users to pry or forcefully remove the lid, thereby preventing cake damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a lock projection is used to secure the lid, then the container provides secure closure, but the lid becomes difficult to remove

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosure securityVSAvoidlid removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The closure mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic release state through the lever projection. When the lever is pressed, it causes the lock projection to pivot and disengage from the lid channel, transforming the secure closure into an easily removable state without compromising initial security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The lever projection acts as an intermediary between the user's manual input and the lock projection. By pressing the lever, the user indirectly actuates the lock release mechanism, making lid removal easy without requiring direct force on the locked components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the lever projection is designed to pivot and disengage the lock, then lid removal is simplified, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelid removalVSAvoidclosure mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functions are merged into a single integrated mechanism: the lever projection simultaneously acts as the actuator, the hinge provides the pivot point, and the lock projection serves as both the securing and releasing element. This merging reduces overall complexity compared to separate components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lock projection serves dual purposes: it secures the lid in the closed position and, when actuated by the lever, it releases the lid. The hinge also serves multiple functions by enabling both the locking and releasing movements. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The mechanism allows for secure closure and easy lid removal without damaging the cake, providing a practical and economic solution for food storage and display while maintaining the container's structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

a lever projection extending substantially outwardly from a second portion of the base rim. The lever projection is configured to pivot upon application of an external force to cause the lock projection to move out from the channel space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLever mechanism: Lever

Implementation Method 2

a lock projection extending into the channel space from a first portion of the base rim... the lock projection is disposed to resist lifting of the lid channel out of the base channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS10442581B2Food storage container closure

Publication Date: 2019.10.15 PACTIV CORP

AI summary

Container includes a base and a lid. The base has a base rim forming a base channel including a bottom wall, an inner sidewall, and an outer sidewall to define a channel space, a lock projection extending into the channel space from a first portion of the base rim, and a lever projection extending substantially outwardly from a second portion of the base rim. The lid has a lid rim forming a lid channel including a bottom wall, an inner sidewall, and an outer sidewall. The lid has a closed position in which the lid channel is aligned with and disposed at least partially within the channel space. The lever projection is configured to pivot upon application of an external force to cause the lock projection to move out from the channel space and to urge at least a portion of the lid rim out of the base channel.