Dual-Lid Container With Opposing Compartments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing containers for consumer items, such as flavour pouches, lack separate and independently accessible compartments, which can lead to contamination and complexity in manufacturing and assembly.

Innovation Solution

A container design featuring a body portion with a curved base wall and two removable lids, where one compartment is convex and the other concave, allowing for separate and independent access while discouraging simultaneous opening to minimize contamination, and simplifying manufacturing by eliminating the need for permanent connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single compartment container is used, then the structure is simple, but contamination risk increases when multiple items are stored

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontamination preventionVSAvoidcontainer structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container is divided into multiple separate compartments (first compartment for unused items, second compartment for used items) that are physically isolated from each other by the base wall. This segmentation allows independent storage and access to different item types or usage stages, preventing cross-contamination while maintaining a relatively simple overall container structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If multiple compartments are provided with separate access, then contamination is prevented, but the lid structure becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontamination preventionVSAvoidlid structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lid system is segmented into two separate lids (first lid and second lid) that can be independently removed and replaced. Each lid provides independent access to its corresponding compartment without requiring complex hinge mechanisms or interconnected structures, simplifying the overall lid design while maintaining separate access capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The compartments are arranged in different spatial dimensions (opposite sides of the base wall) rather than stacking one above the other. This dimensional arrangement allows each compartment to have its own lid that attaches to the body portion in a straightforward manner, avoiding the need for complex multi-layer lid structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Stability of the object's composition

If permanent connection means (hinge) are used to attach lid to body, then lid stability is improved, but manufacturing and assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelid attachment stabilityVSAvoidassembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The permanent connection means (hinge) are extracted from the design entirely. Instead of using hinges to permanently attach the lid to the body portion, the invention employs simple removable lids that attach and detach directly. This extraction eliminates the manufacturing and assembly complexity associated with hinge mechanisms while providing sufficient stability for the intended use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Strength

If lids are connected to each other, then structural integrity is improved, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidlid removal and replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lids are segmented into separate, independent units (first lid and second lid) that are not connected to each other. This segmentation allows each lid to be easily removed and replaced independently without the mechanical complexity of connecting mechanisms, while the overall structural integrity is maintained through the separate attachment of each lid to the body portion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2337749B1Container with two opposing lids
Publication Date: 2014.10.01 PHILIP MORRIS PRODUCTS SA
  • EP2337749B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2337749B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention is directed to a container (2) comprising: a body portion (4) consisting of a side wall (12) and a base wall (10), the container further comprising a first lid (6) and a second lid (8), wherein the first lid (6) and the second lid (8) are both removably attached to the side wall (12) and wherein the body portion (4) and the first lid (6) form a first compartment (14), wherein the body portion (4) and the second lid (8) form a second compartment (16) and wherein the first compartment (14) and the second compartment (16) are located on opposite sides of the base wall (10).