Hinged Lid Retaining Feature for Automatic Lidding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing food container lids with 'living' hinges cannot be efficiently attached by automatic lidding machines due to the elastic nature of the hinge, which causes the mount structure to remain open, preventing proper alignment with the receptacle's sidewall.

Innovation Solution

A hinged lid structure with a retaining feature that includes a projection and recess for releasable snapping engagement, allowing the mount structure to be maintained in a folded position, enabling alignment with the receptacle's sidewall for automatic attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the lid is manufactured with the mount structure in an open position to be formed as a single integral unit in a single mold, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the mount structure springs back to an open position due to the elasticity of the living hinge, preventing proper alignment with the receptacle's sidewall

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesingle integral unit manufacturingVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining feature (projection and recess) is designed to preliminarily set the mount structure in the folded position during manufacturing. The projection engages with the recess to pre-establish the correct alignment before the lidding operation, counteracting the elastic spring-back tendency of the living hinge and ensuring the mount structure remains in the desired folded position for proper sidewall alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If the mount structure is allowed to spring back to an open position due to living hinge elasticity, then the single mold manufacturing is easier, but the automatic lidding machine cannot properly attach the lid to the receptacle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesingle mold manufacturingVSAvoidautomatic lidding machine compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining feature preliminarily configures the mount structure in the folded position, enabling automatic lidding machines to properly attach lids. The projection-recess engagement pre-establishes the correct geometry before automated attachment, allowing the machine to successfully perform its function without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The projection and recess act as intermediary elements that mediate between the living hinge's elastic tendency and the automated lidding process. This intermediary retaining feature translates the elastic energy into a controlled folded position, bridging the gap between manufacturing ease and automated attachment requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Extent of automation

If the projection and recess are designed for releasable snapping engagement, then the mount structure can be maintained in folded position for machine attachment, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic lidding machine compatibilityVSAvoidretaining feature structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining feature is merged with the existing lid components - the projection is integrated into either the mount structure or the top portion, and the recess is formed in the corresponding component. This merging approach minimizes additional complexity by utilizing existing structural elements rather than adding separate retaining mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables the lid to be securely attached to the receptacle using an automatic lidding machine by maintaining the mount structure in a folded position, ensuring proper alignment and secure closure.

Implementation Method 1

the hinge connecting the top to the mount structure may be a 'living' hinge constructed of thin flexible material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The retaining feature includes a corresponding projection and recess configured for releasable snapping engagement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS8261935B2Hinged lid with retaining feature

Publication Date: 2012.09.11 HUHTAMAKI INC

AI summary

A hinged lid for a container receptacle is provided. The lid structure includes a top attached to a mount structure by a “living” hinge. The mount structure is designed for mounting the lid to an open free end of the receptacle. The lid is provided with a retaining mechanism adapted for maintaining the mount structure in a folded position with respect to the top of the lid thereby enabling the lid to be placed on a receptacle using an automatic lidding machine. The retaining feature includes a projection and a recess, wherein the projection is adapted for begin received within the recess. In one embodiment, the projection extends from the mount structure and is adapted to be received within a recess defined in the lid's top. In another embodiment, the projection extends from the lid's top and is adapted to be received within a recess defined in the mount structure.