Container Lid Stacking Mechanism for Warp Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container lids are prone to warping when stacked, leading to a loss of tight seal integrity, which is critical for applications like infectious waste containment, and require separate storage and handling, increasing logistical challenges.
Innovation Solution
The design features a central contact area on the lid for load transfer when stacked, with T-shaped stacking males and females that counteract warping and allow for precise alignment, and a handle that doubles as a contact surface, reducing material usage and the risk of distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If lids are stacked with stacking males and matrices distributed over the circumference near the edge, then stackability is improved, but the lids become prone to warping and distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to load distribution by positioning stacking males and matrices at different radial distances from the lid edge. The first set is located at a greater radial distance (closer to edge) while the second set is at a lesser radial distance (more central), creating a multi-level stacking interface that distributes compressive forces more evenly across the lid structure, preventing warping while maintaining stackability
Solution Approach 2:
The stacking interface is segmented into two distinct sets of stacking males and matrices rather than using a single circumferential ring. This segmentation allows different regions of the lid to bear different portions of the stacking load, with the dual-set configuration providing redundant load paths that prevent localized stress concentration and resulting distortion
2Force
If stacking males and matrices are distributed around the circumference, then load transfer is improved, but the lids are prone to skewing when stacked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of the two sets of stacking males and matrices relative to the lid geometry. The sets are arranged at different radial distances from the edge, creating an asymmetric load distribution pattern that naturally guides alignment during stacking while maintaining balanced force transfer. This asymmetric configuration prevents skewing by establishing a unique, repeatable stacking orientation
3Volume of stationary object
If lids are stacked closely together to optimize space, then storage efficiency is improved, but the lids become distorted and lose seal integrity
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing vertical stacking levels with males and matrices at different radial positions, the patent enables compact vertical stacking without transmitting excessive edge stresses that would cause distortion. The multi-level configuration allows lids to be stacked closely together in the vertical dimension while maintaining structural integrity and seal reliability through distributed load paths
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2f
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a lid (2) of a container (1), wherein the lid (2) has, on a bottom side (24) facing the interior (7) of the container (1), male stacking elements (25) or female stacking elements, which are arranged close to the edge and are distributed over the perimeter of the lid (2) and extend in the direction of the interior (7) of the container (1) in the closed state of the container (1) and which can be brought into engagement with male stacking elements (21) or female stacking elements matched thereto on a top side (19') of a lower lid, which bring about an interlocking connection that prevents a motion of the lid (2) in a direction perpendicular to a vertical axis (6) of the lid (2) that coincides with the vertical axis (3) of the container (1), when two identical lids (2) are stacked one on top of the other, wherein compressive forces can be transmitted in the direction of the vertical axis (6) of the lid (2) by means of the male stacking elements (25) and female stacking elements (21) engaged with each other, wherein, in a state in which two lids (2) are stacked one on top of the other, a contact region (28, 30) is formed both on the bottom side (24) of the upper lid (2) and on the top side of the lower lid in a central region (13) of the lid (2) in question.