Floating Latch Mechanism for Secure Container Lid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage container latching mechanisms fail to securely attach lids under various forces, are difficult to engage and release with one hand, and have a large profile, making them inefficient for stacking and transport, and are not easily removable for cleaning or replacement.
Innovation Solution
A latch mechanism that moves between unsecured and secured positions, featuring a resilient portion and extended edge to engage the lid and base, allowing for secure attachment and easy one-handed operation, with a compact design for efficient stacking and tamper-evident features to prevent loss or misplacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional latching mechanism is used to secure the lid, then the lid can be secured against various forces, but the mechanism has a large profile making stacking and transport inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a latch member with a head portion and a resilient portion, where the resilient portion can be inserted into recesses in the lid and base. This segmentation allows the latch to have a compact overall profile while maintaining securing capability through distributed engagement points.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch member is designed to nest within recesses formed in both the lid and base portions. The resilient portion fits into a recess in the lid, while the head portion engages with a recess in the base, creating a nested configuration that minimizes the external profile of the latching mechanism while maintaining functional integrity.
2Reliability
If a traditional latching mechanism is used, then the lid can be secured securely, but it is difficult to engage and release with one hand
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient portion of the latch member is configured to be deflectable by finger pressure, allowing a user to easily deflect it laterally to disengage from the lid recess. This self-service design enables one-handed operation where the user can release the latch by simply pressing on the resilient portion with their finger, without requiring complex mechanisms or two hands.
3Reliability
If the latch is permanently attached to the lid or base, then it remains in place during use, but it cannot be removed for cleaning or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The latch member is designed with dynamic retention characteristics - the resilient portion is held in engagement with the lid recess during normal use through elastic retention, but can be easily removed by deflecting the resilient portion laterally to disengage it from the recess. This dynamic design provides both reliable retention during operation and easy removability for cleaning or replacement when needed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The latch mechanism provides secure lid attachment under various forces, allows for easy one-handed operation, and has a compact profile for efficient stacking and transport, while being removable for cleaning or replacement without being accidentally lost during ordinary use.
Implementation Method 1
The latch includes a resilient portion positioned at a second end of the latch, the second end being opposite the first end, the resilient portion configured to engage the other of the lid and the base
Data Source
AI summary
A storage container includes a base having an interior storage volume, a lid, and a latch configured to move between an unsecured position in which the lid is movable from the closed position and a secured position in which the lid is retained in the closed position. The latch is configured to extend through an aperture defined by the lid and the base. The latch includes an extended edge to prevent the latch from passing entirely through the aperture. The latch is captured by the lid and floats within the lid portion of the aperture. The latch also includes a resilient portion configured to engage an opening in the base portion of the aperture to selectively retain the lid and the body in the closed position when the latch is in the secured position.