Open Container Locking Lid With Sliding Inversion Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking lid designs for open-ended containers rely on stops or teeth molded into the pail, which limits design flexibility and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A locking lid assembly where the locking member is connected to the container, and the lid features inwardly directed threads and outwardly directed threads on the container, with a sliding mechanism that engages stops on the lid, allowing the lid to be locked and unlocked without relying on pail-mounted stops or teeth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If stops or teeth are molded into the pail, then the locking mechanism can engage the lid, but the design flexibility and effectiveness are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional locking mechanism design by moving the stops from the pail to the lid. Instead of having the container body provide the engagement features, the lid now carries the stops that engage with teeth on the locking member attached to the pail. This inversion resolves the technical contradiction by providing design flexibility without increasing pail structure complexity, as the pail remains simple while the lid assumes the complex engagement features.
2Reliability
If the locking member is connected to the lid, then the locking mechanism can prevent lid removal, but the design relies on pail-mounted stops or teeth which limits effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent swaps the connection arrangement: the locking member is now attached to the pail rather than the lid, and the lid carries the stops. This inversion maintains reliable locking engagement while significantly improving design adaptability, as the lid can be designed for different applications without modifying the pail structure. The locking effectiveness is preserved through the interlocking teeth and stops mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If a sliding mechanism is used to engage stops on the lid, then the locking member can be easily moved between locked and unlocked positions, but the mechanism requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism incorporates a spring-loaded slide that automatically engages with the stops on the lid when the lid is tightened. The spring provides the necessary force for the slide to move into engagement position without requiring additional actuators or complex control mechanisms. This self-service approach achieves ease of operation while minimizing the number of additional components needed.
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
Provides a simple and effective locking mechanism that prevents lid removal until the locking member is disengaged, allowing easy operation and secure closure without the need for pail-mounted stops or teeth.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member, such as a spring, can be utilized to bias the slide into engagement with the teeth
Implementation Method 2
the teeth and locking member preferably have a slanted ramp surface opposite a stop so that during the installation of the lid the locking member is moved out of position by the ramp surfaces acting against the locking member
Implementation Method 3
Should a user attempt to reverse direction of the lid relative to the container, the stop of the teeth would an abutment of the slide thereby preventing such rotation
Data Source
AI summary
A container assembly having a lid which connects to an open container. A locking mechanism is employed which preferably includes a slide which cooperates with at least one stop connected to the lid wherein movement of the slide relative to the lid is preferably utilized to disengage the locking mechanism to allow the lid to be unscrewed relative to the container.