Food Container Access Tab Mechanism for Lid Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage containers for food items like cakes are difficult to open due to the lack of easily gripped features on the lid, making it challenging to separate the lid from the base.
Innovation Solution
The container design includes a base with a lock channel and a lid with a rim that engages with the lock channel, along with first and second tabs that facilitate easier opening by deflecting the second tab upward when the container is closed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional interlocking lid and base design is used, then storage and transport functionality is achieved, but opening difficulty increases due to lack of gripped features
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is segmented into multiple functional components: a rim for engagement with the lock channel, a body for structural support, and one or more tabs extending from the rim. These tabs can be pulled to initiate lid removal, effectively dividing the opening action into manageable steps while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tabs serve as intermediary elements between the user's gripping action and the lid-base interlocking mechanism. By pulling on these tabs, users can indirectly apply force to overcome the friction and mechanical interference that keep the lid secured to the base, making the opening process easier without requiring direct manipulation of the entire lid.
2Reliability
If rim engages deeply with lock channel for secure closure, then sealing and stability improve, but lid removal becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The tab mechanism introduces dynamic elements to the otherwise static interlocking system. When force is applied to the tabs, they deform or move, transferring this dynamic force to the rim-lock channel interface. This allows the secure engagement to be temporarily overcome during opening, while maintaining reliability during storage and transport when no force is applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The tabs are pre-positioned to extend outward from the rim in a way that provides immediate gripping points. This preliminary configuration allows users to quickly apply opening force without needing to search for or create grip points, making lid removal easier while the rim remains deeply engaged with the lock channel for secure closure during normal use.
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
This design enhances the ease of opening the container by providing a mechanism that allows the user to grip and pull the lid away from the base more effectively, improving accessibility to the stored items.
Implementation Method 1
The ramp surface of the first tab deflects a portion of the second tab upward at an angle oblique to the vertical direction when the lid and the base are in the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A container includes a base and a lid. The base includes a lock channel. The lid includes a rim. The rim of the lid is configured to engage with the lock channel in the base to retain the base and the lid in a closed position. The container also includes a first tab on the base and a second tab on the lid. The first tab extends outward approximately perpendicular to a vertical direction. A portion of the second tab may be deflected upward at an oblique angle when the lid and the base are in the closed position. A first portion of the second tab may be received within the first tab and a second portion of the second tab may extend upward and out of the first tab at an oblique angle when the lid and the base are in the closed position.