Container Seal Indication Mechanism with Audible Tactile Visual Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers often experience leaks or spills from containers that are intended to be leak-proof due to improper sealing, as users may not apply the required torque to achieve a secure seal between the lid and container.
Innovation Solution
A seal indication mechanism is implemented on the container and lid assembly, providing audible, tactile, and visual feedback to indicate when the required torque for a secure seal has been applied, utilizing a detent on the lid interfacing with a rib on the container, along with markings to confirm the sealed position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a threaded lid and container design is used, then the container can be sealed, but users may not apply sufficient torque to achieve a proper seal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism through visual indicators (markings on the lid and container that align when properly sealed) and tactile feedback (a detent mechanism that provides a click sensation). This feedback informs the user when the required torque has been applied and a proper seal achieved, resolving the contradiction between seal integrity and user awareness.
2Reliability
If multiple turns are required to seal the container, then a secure seal can be achieved, but users are likely to stop turning the lid before proper sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The visual markings and detent mechanism provide immediate feedback to the user during the tightening process, allowing them to know when to stop turning the lid. This prevents both under-tightening (incomplete seal) and over-tightening (wasted time and potential damage), efficiently resolving the seal achievement while minimizing time loss.
3Device complexity
If a simple threaded connection is used, then the device complexity is low, but there is no indication to the user that a seal has been achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds minimal complexity elements (markings and detent) that provide comprehensive seal status information through multiple senses (visual alignment and tactile click), resolving the contradiction between simplicity and information provision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes visual markings that can be colored or contrasted to provide clear visual feedback when aligned, indicating seal achievement without adding significant structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A seal indication mechanism for a container assembly having a container and a lid is provided. The seal indication mechanism has a portion on the container and a portion on the lid that interface to indicate to a user that a seal has been achieved between the container and the lid. The seal indication mechanism provides an audible, tactile and visual indication to the user that the lid and container are sealed. The seal indication mechanism functions to indicate a range of sealed relative positions between the container and the lid throughout the usable life of the container assembly.