Lid Tray Assembly Multi-Tab Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lids for containers and trays often have a tight interference fit that makes it difficult to remove the lid without disturbing the contents or damaging the lid, especially in shallow containers with flexible lids and large peripheries.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates at least two tabs on the lid's periphery and corresponding indentations on the tray, allowing for initial disengagement at separated locations, reducing the need for excessive force and enabling easy removal without damaging the lid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tight interference fit is used between lid and tray, then secure engagement and protection of contents is improved, but ease of removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is divided into multiple sections with tabs at different locations (e.g., opposite corners) that can be independently manipulated. This segmentation allows the lid to be released in stages rather than requiring simultaneous release of the entire perimeter, making removal easier while maintaining secure engagement during use.
Solution Approach 2:
Tabs protruding from the lid serve as intermediary elements that provide finger engagement points. These tabs act as mediators between the user's fingers and the lid structure, allowing controlled application of force to initiate release without requiring direct manipulation of the entire lid or applying excessive force that could damage contents.
2Ease of operation
If excessive force is applied to remove the lid, then removal is achieved, but damage to the lid or disturbance to contents occurs
Solution Approach 1:
By providing multiple tabs at different locations, the release force is distributed across multiple points rather than concentrated at a single location. This segmentation allows gradual release of the interference fit, reducing peak forces that could damage the lid or disturb contents.
Solution Approach 2:
The tab structure is designed to leverage the user's fingers as natural levers. The geometry of the tabs provides mechanical advantage, allowing the user's finger motion to be converted into effective lifting force that releases the lid without requiring the user to apply excessive force directly.
3Device complexity
If a single tab is provided for lid removal, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in creating initial separation
Solution Approach 1:
Providing multiple tabs at different locations segments the release function across multiple access points. This allows the user to create initial separation at one tab location while maintaining support at other locations, making the release process more manageable and less prone to failure.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple tabs are merged into a single lid structure, working together to provide cumulative release capability. The tabs function as a unified release system where each tab contributes to the overall ease of removal, combining their individual release capabilities to overcome the tight interference fit more effectively than a single tab could alone.
Data Source
AI summary
A lid and tray assembly includes at least two lift tabs and/or indentations at separated but not directly opposing locations about the lid periphery that can be actuated simultaneously or sequentially to provide two distinct locations from which initial disengagements can extend and merge to enable easy removal of the entire lid. Embodiments further include locations that can be pressed while corresponding tabs are lifted. Some embodiments include a peripheral skirt that is short enough to allow a user's fingers to pass beneath and support the tray sidewalls when lifting the tray-lid assembly from a horizontal surface, avoiding any need for the lid engagement to bear the weight of the tray and its contents. Lid-tray engagement can be by means of inserting a lid peripheral rim into a tray lip groove, or by engaging a lid rim undercut with a tray lip undercut.