Food Tray Locking Tab Structure for Secure Lid Closure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food trays lack effective locking mechanisms to maintain a closed configuration, which can lead to accidental opening and compromise the integrity of the contents during handling and transportation.
Innovation Solution
A tray design featuring a locking tab extending from the base side panel and a line of weakening in the lid side panel defining a locking region, allowing the lid to be securely maintained in a closed position through engagement with the tab, while being aesthetically concealed to minimize interference during handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locking features are added to maintain closed position, then reliability of closed configuration is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: a locking tab extending from the base side panel and a locking region with a line of weakening in the lid side panel. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism operates through self-service principles where the locking tab automatically engages with the locking region when the lid is closed, and the line of weakening allows the locking region to deform and lock without requiring additional actuators or complex mechanisms. The structure locks itself through the interaction of these simple geometric features.
2Ease of operation
If locking features are made visible for functionality, then ease of operation is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking features are nested within the existing structural elements of the tray. The locking tab is formed as an extension of the base side panel, and the locking region is integrated into the lid side panel structure. This nesting allows the locking mechanism to be concealed within the overall form of the tray, maintaining aesthetic appearance while providing functional locking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The line of weakening creates a flexible locking region in the lid side panel that can deform to engage with the locking tab. This flexibility allows the locking mechanism to operate effectively while remaining integrated into the thin panel structure, avoiding the need for bulky visible locking components that would compromise the streamlined appearance.
Data Source
AI summary
A tray for holding one or more food products includes a base at least partially extending around an interior of the tray, the base having a base bottom panel, at least one base side panel, a base back panel, and a base front panel, and a lid foldably connected to the base such that the lid is repositionable between an open position and a closed position, the lid including a top panel, at least one lid side panel, and a lid front panel, and locking features for at least partially maintaining the closed position of the lid, the locking features comprising a locking tab extending from the at least one base side panel and a line of weakening in the at least one lid side panel at least partially defining a locking region for engaging the at least one locking tab.