Latchable Lid Assemblies with Upward Pivot Restriction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container lid and latch assemblies, particularly those with round sections, face challenges in maintaining a secure closure when latching needs to occur on curved surfaces, as the latching mouldings may accidentally pivot upward and disengage from the lid, leading to unintended opening.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a lid assembly with moulded latches that are click or clip fit engaged to the lid, featuring a pair of spaced journals and a formation that restricts upward pivoting, ensuring the latch remains engaged and prevents accidental disengagement by incorporating a latch stop formation that limits leverage off the journal bearing axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the latch is designed to pivot freely on the journal bearing axis, then the latch can easily engage and disengage, but the latch may accidentally pivot upward and disengage from the lid, leading to unintended opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating a latch stop formation that proactively prevents the latch from pivoting upward beyond a predetermined angle. This stop formation is positioned to counteract any upward leverage that might cause accidental disengagement, thereby maintaining reliable retention while still allowing intentional opening when needed.
2Reliability
If the latch is restricted from upward movement, then accidental disengagement is prevented, but the latch may be levered free of its journal bearing engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different functional characteristics at different locations of the latch mechanism. The latch stop formation provides vertical movement restriction at the upper pivot position, while the journal bearing arrangement at the lower position maintains rotational freedom. This localized differentiation allows the latch to be restricted from upward movement to prevent accidental disengagement while preserving the ability to pivot downward for intentional engagement and disengagement.
3Ease of operation
If the latch is designed with a long leverage arm, then the latch can easily engage and disengage, but the latch is more susceptible to being levered free from its journal bearing engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by positioning the latch stop formation to counteract the leverage effect of a long arm. The stop formation is strategically located to intercept and prevent any upward leverage that might cause the latch to be levered free from its journal bearing engagement, thereby maintaining reliable retention even with a long leverage arm designed for easy operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A latchable lunchbox container having a molded lid, a plurality of molded latch forms each pivotally supported from the molded lid, and a container closable by the molded lid. Each latch is pivotally supported by a clip fit between the molded lid and the latch. The lid molding includes at least one formation for each latch whereby an abutment will occur that will reduce the likelihood of prizing of a latch from the lid molding as a result of the latch moving upwardly about its pivot axis. Each latch provides at least one cylindrical surface to be carried in at least one click fit feature therefor thereby to provide a journalled bearing defining the pivot axis.