Container Lid Sliding Mechanism for Single-Finger Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container lids for beverage containers often have complex structures with multiple detachable parts, which increase weight, complicate recycling, and require multiple movements for opening and reclosing, while also introducing friction that hinders single-finger operation.
Innovation Solution
A plastic container lid design featuring a single material with a flat bottom surface and sliding guides and catches, allowing for a non-detachable connection via ultrasonic welding, eliminating friction, and using hollow and protrusion locking elements for secure operation with a single movement, and optionally incorporating a plastic foil seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple detachable parts are used in the lid structure, then the opening mechanism can be more complex and functional, but the weight increases and recycling becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple detachable parts into a single integrated lid structure made of one material. The slide piece, panel, and sealing elements are combined into one monolithic component that can be opened and closed, eliminating the need for multiple separate parts while maintaining the opening mechanism's functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid is constructed from a single material throughout, creating a homogeneous structure. This uniform material composition simplifies recycling by eliminating the need to separate different materials, while still allowing for complex functional features through design rather than material diversity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple detachable parts are used in the lid structure, then the opening mechanism can be more complex and functional, but the recycling process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The entire lid is made from one material, creating a homogeneous structure that is easily recyclable. This single-material construction eliminates the need for complex sorting and separation processes during recycling, while the lid's opening mechanism functionality is achieved through the design and configuration of this uniform material.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional elements that would traditionally require separate parts are merged into a single monolithic lid structure. This integration maintains the complexity and functionality of the opening mechanism while simplifying recycling by eliminating the need to handle and process multiple detachable components.
3Ease of operation
If traditional sliding mechanisms are used, then opening and reclosing can be achieved, but friction hinders single-finger operation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a traditional sliding mechanism where one surface slides over another creating friction, the patent inverts the approach by using a system where the slide piece engages with the panel through interlocking features that reduce friction. The slide piece has a bottom surface that interacts with the panel in a way that minimizes resistive forces, enabling easy single-finger operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional high-friction sliding mechanical system with an alternative mechanism that reduces friction through specific geometric configurations. The interaction between the slide piece and panel is designed to minimize contact friction, substituting the conventional sliding approach with a low-friction engagement system.
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 design reduces the number of parts, lowers weight, facilitates easy recycling, enables single-finger operation, and ensures secure and efficient opening and reclosing of the container opening with reduced material complexity and friction.
Implementation Method 1
the locking element of the slide piece is given the form of a hollow, and the matching locking element of the recess in the panel is given the form of a protrusion which cooperates with the said hollow when the slide piece is actuated
Implementation Method 2
The profile of the rim of the bottom surface of the panel enables non-detachable connection between the lid and the container by way of ultrasonic welding
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~3a
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A container lid having a panel (1) with an opening (2) for emptying the container, where formed on the two opposite walls (2a) of the said opening (2) are guides (3, 103) declining towards the bottom surface (5) of the panel (1), and further having a slide piece (8) with catches (12, 12a, 112, 112a) formed on the top surface (9) of the slide piece declining towards the top surface (9) of the slide piece, the latter also featuring a pull tab (11), where the said catches (12, 12a, 112, 112a) are fitted slidingly in the said guides (3, 103), is characterised in that the pull tab (11) is formed on the top surface (9) of the slide piece (8), and there is a recess (7) to accommodate the slide piece (8) formed on the bottom surface (5) of the panel (1) around the opening (2) for emptying the container, where formed in the said recess (7) is at least one locking element (18) and formed on the slide piece (8) is at least one locking element (19), so that the said locking element (18) of the panel (1) and the said locking element (19) of the slide piece (8) fit one another forming a pair.