Expandable Collapsible Lid System for Variable Volume Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage containers lack flexibility in volume adjustment, often requiring multiple containers or lids that do not match, leading to inefficiencies in storage and space utilization, especially for items that require varying sizes and shapes.
Innovation Solution
An expandable and collapsible lid system that operates between expanded, middle, and collapsed states, allowing for flexible volume adjustment by using concentric segments or a single piece with folds, enabling the lid to securely seal containers and accommodate items of varying sizes by nesting or expanding the container's volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed volume containers are used, then storage capacity is determined, but flexibility in volume adjustment is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is designed with expandable and collapsible concentric segments that can dynamically change volume between expanded and collapsed states. This dynamic structure allows the same lid to accommodate different container volumes, providing adaptability without requiring multiple fixed-volume containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid is divided into multiple concentric segments (first, second, and third segments) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation enables the lid to expand or collapse by adjusting the radial positions of individual segments, allowing flexible volume adjustment while maintaining structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple containers are used to accommodate varying item sizes, then storage capacity increases, but device complexity and space utilization decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable lid is designed as a universal component that can fit multiple container sizes. By expanding the lid segments radially outward, the same lid can seal larger containers; by collapsing the segments inward, it can seal smaller containers. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized lids or containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The concentric segments of the lid are nested within each other in a collapsed state, allowing compact storage when not in use. The nested structure enables the lid to be stored efficiently while maintaining the capability to expand to various sizes when needed, reducing the number of separate components required.
3Ease of operation
If containers are stacked for portability, then organization improves, but access to lids becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The lid segments nest within each other when collapsed, allowing the lid to be compactly stored atop the container without requiring separate storage. This nested configuration enables containers with attached lids to be stacked efficiently for portability while keeping lids securely attached and easily accessible.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid is permanently attached to the container, merging the lid and container into a single unit. This eliminates the risk of lid loss and simplifies stacking, as lids do not need to be separately managed or attached during the stacking process.
Data Source
AI summary
An expandable and collapsible lid system and method thereof. The system includes at least one container including an opening and at least one corresponding lid. The lid may be operable between an expanded state, a middle state and a collapsed state. The lid includes a flange having a circumscribing lip for releasably sealing the opening of the container and concentric segments. Each concentric segment may be flexibly coupled to an adjacent concentric segment, inner-diameter to outer-diameter, a diameter of the concentric segments decreasing inversely with the distance of the concentric segment from the flange, a concentric segment having a largest diameter being flexibly coupled to the flange. When positioned atop the container, the lid increases a storage volume of the at least one container in the expanded state and forms a pool within the container for nesting of a further container when in the collapsed state.