Foldable Container Lid for Spill-Resistant Partial Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional food storage containers require the lid to be fully separated from the base for access, leading to difficulties in consumption on the go, potential spillage, and additional space requirements, which is unsuitable for on-the-go dining experiences.
Innovation Solution
A container system with a base and a friction-fit lid that can be partially opened via a hinged mechanism, allowing access to the contents while remaining attached to the base, featuring a snap-fit arrangement and a locking mechanism to secure the opened portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lid is fully separated from the base for access, then access to container contents is provided, but additional space is required and spillage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is divided into a first detachable portion and a second hinged portion. The first portion can be separated from the base for access, while the second portion remains attached through the hinge, eliminating the need to fully detach the entire lid and reducing space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism allows the lid to transition between different states (fully attached, partially opened, fully detached). This dynamic configuration enables the lid to adapt to different usage scenarios, providing access when needed while maintaining attachment to reduce space requirements.
2Ease of operation
If the lid is fully separated from the base for access, then access to container contents is provided, but spillage and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the lid into detachable and hinged portions, the system allows controlled access through the first portion while the second portion remains attached to seal the container, preventing spillage and contamination during the access process.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of fully detaching the lid for access, only the necessary first portion is detached while the second portion remains attached. This partial action provides sufficient access while maintaining the protective seal, reducing spillage and contamination risks.
3Ease of operation
If the lid is fully separated from the base for access, then access to container contents is provided, but the container footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
Segmenting the lid allows the second portion to remain attached to the base during access, keeping the container components compact and maintaining a small footprint, unlike full separation which would require additional space for the detached lid.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinged portion of the lid remains merged/attached to the base through the hinge mechanism, eliminating the need for separate storage space for the lid and maintaining a compact container footprint during access operations.
4Ease of operation
If a hinged mechanism is added to the lid, then partial access is enabled while maintaining attachment, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is segmented into two functional portions with different attachment mechanisms (detachable first portion, hinged second portion). This segmentation allows the complexity to be distributed and managed, with each portion serving a specific function that justifies its design.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism provides multiple functions: it allows partial access, maintains container sealing, enables compact storage, and allows the lid to be detached if needed. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by eliminating the need for separate mechanisms for each function.
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
Facilitates easy and spill-proof access to container contents, maintains a compact footprint, and allows for secure stacking, enhancing the on-the-go dining experience.
Implementation Method 1
a friction-fit (e.g., snap-fit) lid attachable to the base
Data Source
AI summary
A container system having a base and a lid. The base has a bottom and one or more sidewalls extending from the bottom to define an interior volume, the base having a rim at a peripheral edge of the one or more sidewalls, the rim defining a first engagement region. The system also has a lid having a peripheral outer rim defining a second engagement region, the first and second engagement regions dimensioned to releasably engage with each other. The lid has a hinged region having a first hinge about which the lid folds as a first part of the lid is lifted from the base to disengage portions of the first and second engagement regions from one another, to provide access to the interior volume of the base while a second part of the lid on an opposite side of the hinge remains secured and attached to the base.