Food Container Lid with Biasing Member for Automatic Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food containers often lack a built-in storage region for utensils and condiments, and may not have a lid biasing structure, requiring manual opening and increasing the likelihood of items being forgotten or misplaced.
Innovation Solution
A food container with a lid assembly that includes a stopper, cap, and lid, featuring complementary biasing structures that automatically open the lid when unlocked, allowing for a storage region between the cap and lid to hold utensils or food products, and a vent passage to equalize pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a lid assembly with automatic opening mechanism is added to the container, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member is nested within the receiving member, which is part of the lid structure. The projecting member from the cap fits into the receiving member, creating a compact nested arrangement that provides automatic opening functionality without adding excessive external complexity to the lid assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member automatically urges the lid to the open position when the locking structure is released, without requiring manual intervention. The complementary biasing structures (projecting member and receiving member) work together to self-activate the opening mechanism, improving ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a storage region is created between the cap and lid, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The space between the cap and lid serves multiple functions: it acts as a storage region for utensils or condiments, and simultaneously accommodates the biasing structures (projecting member and receiving member) necessary for the automatic opening mechanism. This multi-functionality adds versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing structures are nested within the storage region space, allowing the storage functionality to coexist with the mechanical components. The receiving member and biasing member are positioned within the available space between the cap and lid, creating an integrated design.
3Productivity
If complementary biasing structures are added to automatically open the lid, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complementary biasing structures (projecting member and receiving member with biasing member) automatically activate the lid opening when the locking structure is released. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual lifting or manipulation, improving productivity by enabling rapid container access.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member is pre-loaded or pre-compressed when the lid is in the closed locked position. When the locking structure is released, the pre-stored energy in the biasing member immediately acts to open the lid, providing rapid response and improving access speed.
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 solution provides a convenient and secure way to store and transport food items, ensuring the lid opens automatically when unlocked, reducing the risk of items being forgotten and maintaining pressure equality within the container.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing member urges the lid to an open position when the lid is unlocked or unlatched
Implementation Method 2
The projecting member compresses or biases a biasing member contained by the receiving member
Data Source
AI summary
A lid assembly for a food container is described that may be used to store and transport food items. The container defines an interior to store a food product. The lid assembly includes a lid and a stopper that is sized to close an opening of the container. A biasing member urges the lid to an open position when the lid is unlocked or unlatched.