Container Assembly Stacking Provisions Seal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container closures face challenges in maintaining a secure seal while being easy to open and close, particularly when stacked, and are prone to compromising the sealing integrity, especially in applications like baby food powder containers where frequent use and hygiene are critical.
Innovation Solution
A container assembly with a lid part featuring a U-shaped rim and reinforcement ribs, combined with cams and a snap-locking mechanism, allows for easy opening and closing while maintaining a secure seal, even when stacked, using thermoplastic materials to ensure durability and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate lid with interlocking rims and circumferential projections is used, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates making the lid cumbersome to open
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is divided into two functional parts: a first closure member with sealing provisions and a second closure member with stacking provisions. This segmentation allows the sealing function and stacking function to be independently optimized, resolving the contradiction between reliable sealing and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The stacking provisions are extracted from the sealing mechanism itself and placed as a separate second closure member. This extraction removes the interference between stacking loads and sealing integrity, while the simple snap-fit design of the first closure member maintains ease of operation.
2Device complexity
If stacking provisions are integrated with the sealing mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sealing reliability deteriorates when stacked
Solution Approach 1:
The closure assembly is segmented into a first closure member for sealing and a second closure member for stacking. This segmentation isolates the sealing mechanism from stacking loads, maintaining sealing reliability while keeping the overall structure relatively simple through functional integration at the assembly level.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the closure assembly have specialized local functions: the first closure member has sealing lips and grooves for moisture barrier, while the second closure member has protrusions and recesses for stacking. This local specialization allows each component to excel at its specific function without compromising the other.
3Reliability
If a child-resistant closure with pry-means is used, then the reliability is improved preventing unauthorized opening, but the ease of operation deteriorates requiring special tools to open
Solution Approach 1:
The first closure member is designed with dynamic snap-fit engagement that provides strong holding force for child resistance during normal conditions, but allows easy release when sufficient opening force is applied. The elastic deformation capability enables the closure to transition from locked to open state without requiring special pry tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical properties of the closure members are optimized to provide high engagement strength for security while maintaining low release force through controlled elastic deformation. The material selection and geometric design create a force threshold that prevents accidental opening but allows intentional opening by adults.
4Reliability
If the opening is made small to prevent moisture loss, then the reliability is improved for moisture sealing, but the ease of operation deteriorates limiting access for cleaning wipes
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning function is incorporated into the closure system through integrated cleaning channels and wipe passages in the second closure member. This preliminary design of cleaning pathways eliminates the need for large openings, as cleaning can be performed through dedicated channels that maintain the small opening size for moisture sealing.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a container assembly (1) comprising a container part (3) with a circumferential wall and a bottom wall, and a lid part (2) comprising a connection portion (5) for connection to a rim of said circumferential wall and a lid (4) which is pivotably connected to said connection portion, said connection portion comprising an upper wall provided with an access opening (6) which can be sealed with said lid, and said connection portion is provided with stacking provisions (4) which enclose said access opening and which are complementary with stacking provisions at the bottom of said container part.