Container Latching System With Slide Lock Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current container lid attachment systems are either overly complex and prone to breakage or fail to provide an air-tight seal, making it difficult to secure the lid properly and confirm closure.
Innovation Solution
A container latching system featuring extended lip sections on the lid with slide lock latches that track along the container edges to lock and seal the lid, utilizing a groove track and slider mechanism for secure attachment and a secondary locking mechanism for added security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex locking mechanisms are used, then security and seal reliability are improved, but device complexity and susceptibility to breakage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two independent slide lock latches positioned on opposite sides of the container, each operating autonomously along its own lip section. This segmentation allows each latch to be simple and robust while collectively providing reliable sealing across the entire container opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking and sealing functions are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The slide lock latches simultaneously perform both locking (securing the lid) and sealing (creating air-tight barrier) through their interaction with the gasket seal and container rim, eliminating the need for separate complex systems.
2Device complexity
If simple locking mechanisms are used, then device complexity is reduced, but sealing capability and security are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The slide lock latches engage with a specially designed gasket seal that has enhanced local sealing properties at the critical interface between lid and container. The gasket's material and geometry are optimized locally at the sealing surface to ensure air-tight closure, while the rest of the mechanism remains simple.
Solution Approach 2:
A gasket seal acts as an intermediary element between the simple slide lock latches and the container rim. This mediator component ensures that even simple mechanical latches can achieve reliable sealing by providing a compliant sealing surface that conforms to the container opening.
3Reliability
If secure locking mechanisms are used, then sealing reliability is improved, but ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The slide lock latches are designed to move dynamically along the lip sections during opening and closing operations. The sliders can be easily pushed or pulled along the groove tracks, providing smooth and intuitive operation. The mechanism transitions smoothly between locked and unlocked states without requiring excessive force or complex maneuvers.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide lock latches automatically engage with the container rim and gasket seal when the lid is closed, providing self-locking functionality. The design ensures that proper engagement is achieved through the natural geometry of the components, eliminating the need for additional adjustment or complex user actions to ensure secure locking.
4Reliability
If multiple locking points are used, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity and susceptibility to failure increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each slide lock latch is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: locking the lid in place, engaging the gasket seal for sealing, and providing a visible indication of locking status. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components while maintaining reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide lock latches incorporate visual indicators (such as color-coded positions or visible alignment features) that show whether the lid is properly locked and sealed. This allows users to confirm sealing reliability without adding complex mechanical indication mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A container latching system has an open container with a container lid with extended lip sections. Two slide lock latches are located over the lip sections on opposite sides of the lid. With the lid covering the container, the lip sections overlay the top edges of the container, the slide lock latches overlay a portion of the lip sections, and track slider members in each slide lock latch move along the lip sections to lock and seal the lid to the container.