Dual-Lid Container With Hinged Base Compartment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing containers for consumer items lack separate compartments that can be easily opened and closed independently, leading to potential contamination and complexity in manufacturing and assembly.

Innovation Solution

A container design featuring a body portion with a recessed base wall and two lids, where the first lid is removable and the second lid is connected via a hinge line, allowing for separate and independent access to compartments while maintaining a flat base and minimizing contamination risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single compartment container is used, then the structure is simple, but separate storage of different items is not possible leading to potential contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparate storage capabilityVSAvoidcontainer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container is divided into two separate compartments (first and second compartments) that can be independently accessed. Each compartment has its own lid system, allowing separate storage of different items while maintaining overall structural simplicity. The recessed base wall creates the division between compartments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If multiple lids are added for separate compartment access, then independent access is enabled, but the risk of accidental opening and contamination increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent compartment accessVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The second lid is connected via a hinge line to the recessed base wall, creating a dynamic connection that allows controlled opening. The hinge mechanism enables the lid to swing open intentionally while remaining attached to the container, preventing accidental separation. The first lid remains removable for flexible access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge connection acts as a flexible linkage that maintains the lid's connection to the container while allowing controlled movement. This flexible connection reduces the risk of accidental opening compared to rigid or fully removable lid systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If a hinge connection is used for the second lid, then accidental opening is reduced, but the base structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelid closure stabilityVSAvoidbase wall structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base wall is segmented into a main base and a recessed base wall portion. This segmentation creates the hinge connection area for the second lid while maintaining the overall simplicity of the base structure. The recessed portion provides the necessary structural feature for hinge attachment without requiring complex additional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3326931B1Container with hinge lid

Publication Date: 2021.01.06 PHILIP MORRIS PRODUCTS SA

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention is directed to a container (2) comprising: a body portion (4) having a side wall (12) and a base wall (10), a first lid (6) and a second lid (8). The first lid (6) is removably attached to the side wall (12) and the body portion (4) and the first lid (6) forms a first compartment (14). The second lid (8) is connected to the body portion (4) along a hinge line and forms at least a part of the base of the container. The body portion (4) and the second lid (8) form a second compartment (20) which is located on the opposite side of the base wall (10) to the first compartment (14).