Portable Food Container Auto-Locking Hood Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food containers require precise manual adjustment and application of force to lock the hood, leading to potential deformation and insecure sealing, especially when transporting sensitive foods.
Innovation Solution
The design features a locking mechanism where the actuating surface of the locking element is inward-facing, allowing the hood to pivot into a locking position as it is placed on the base, distributing the force more evenly and eliminating the need for manual locking, with larger contact surfaces reducing material wear and enhancing security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the locking bodies have a small spatial dimension to allow precise positioning, then the contact surfaces can be positioned precisely, but the locking bodies are at risk of being overloaded, deforming, and wearing out
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two distinct components: the locking bodies (for positioning) and the actuating lugs (for force application). This segmentation allows the small locking bodies to maintain positioning precision while the larger actuating lugs handle the mechanical loading, preventing deformation and wear of the locking bodies themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating lugs serve as an intermediary element between the user's manual force and the locking bodies. By introducing this intermediate component, the force is transmitted through the lugs rather than directly to the locking bodies, protecting them from overload while still enabling precise engagement.
2Ease of operation
If a large force is applied to the comparatively small locking body via the large actuation surface, then the locking element can be actuated, but the locking bodies will be overloaded and deform
Solution Approach 1:
The force application function is separated from the locking function. The actuating lug with its large surface area handles the force application and actuation, while the locking body maintains its small dimensions for precise positioning without bearing the full mechanical load.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating lug acts as a mediator that distributes and transmits force to the locking mechanism. This intermediary structure allows easy actuation through a large contact surface while protecting the locking bodies from direct exposure to large forces that would cause deformation.
3Reliability
If the locking elements require manual pressing into the locking position, then the locking mechanism can be engaged, but several attempts are required and the operation is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating lugs are pre-positioned on the hood such that when the hood is placed on the base part, the lugs automatically engage with the locking elements and guide them into the locking position. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for manual adjustment and ensures reliable locking on the first attempt.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to lock automatically through the interaction between the actuating lugs and locking elements. The structure itself performs the locking action without requiring external manual intervention, making the operation simple and reliable.
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 simplifies the locking process, ensures secure closure without deformation, and provides additional security against unintentional opening, allowing for easier handling and transport of sensitive foods.
Implementation Method 1
movable locking elements are connected to the base part via a stationary pivot axis, the base part and the hood can be connected to one another with the locking elements, the locking elements being the associated pivot axis can be pivoted back and forth between an open position and a locking position
Implementation Method 2
the first end as a lever arm after the actuating lug has struck the actuator igungsfläche is movable along the Einsenkweg with a continued lowering movement of the actuating lug from the open position down into its locking position
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a portable food container (2) with a plate-shaped base part (4) and a hood (6) that can be placed on the base part (4), with the base part (4) having locking elements that can be moved via a stationary pivot axis (10). (8) and the locking elements (8) are in the locking position via contact surfaces (26) formed on the locking elements (8) with corresponding contact surfaces (28) on the hood (6) in a non-positive and/or positive manner. During a lowering movement into the base part (4), the hood (6) actuates the locking elements (8) with the actuating lugs (18) pointing downwards, which in the process move from the open position into their locking position.