Container Lid Retaining Channel for Spill Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container lids are prone to being lost or accidentally discarded when removed from containers, leading to spillage, heat loss, and contamination, as they are lightweight and easily blown away by wind.
Innovation Solution
A container lid design featuring a removably attached lid retaining channel that allows the lid to be securely pressed onto the container rim in an open position, preventing spillage and heat loss while allowing access to the contents, and can be easily reattached in a closed position for secure sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lid is made lightweight for ease of handling, then the ease of operation is improved, but the lid becomes prone to being lost or accidentally discarded
Solution Approach 1:
A retaining channel is introduced as an intermediary component between the lid and container rim. This channel engages with the rim to provide mechanical retention while keeping the lid itself lightweight. The retaining channel acts as a mediator that solves the contradiction by providing security without requiring the lid to be heavy.
2Ease of operation
If the lid is removed from the container, then access to contents is enabled, but the lid is prone to being lost or accidentally discarded
Solution Approach 1:
The lid system transitions from a static fully-attached state to a dynamic partially-attached state through the retaining channel. The channel allows the lid to be removed for access while maintaining an engaged position that prevents loss. This dynamic capability enables both full access and secure retention as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid system is segmented into the lid body and the retaining channel mechanism. This segmentation allows the lid to be easily removed for access while the retaining channel remains engaged with the container rim to prevent loss. The functional separation resolves the contradiction between access and retention.
3Reliability
If the lid is securely attached to prevent loss, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of removal for access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining channel provides localized retention at the engagement point with the container rim, while the rest of the lid remains easily removable. This local quality approach ensures security where needed (at the rim interface) while maintaining ease of operation for the user.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved container lid comprising an integral lid retaining channel which is configured to accept and be press fit onto the circumferential rim of a container, such as, for instance, a coffee cup is disclosed in preferred and various alternate embodiments. The improved container lid of the invention may comprise any material suitable for container lids such as paper, waxed paper, plastic, or other materials known in the art. The improved container lid of the invention is adapted to be retained upon, for example, a lip of a beverage container while the beverage container is in use. Thus, the improved container lid of the invention prevents accidental loss of the container lid and may be used in an open or closed position.