Lidded Container With Projection Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers with lid members coupled by a hinge require excessive force to close due to radial displacement and expansion, leading to potential sealing issues and design degradation, as the lid tends to float or open unintentionally due to increased pressure.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a cylindrical body with a lid member and inner ring, where the outer peripheral surface projection on the inner ring slides over an inner peripheral surface projection on the container body, allowing easier and reliable closure while maintaining a flush flange for improved aesthetics and preventing pressure buildup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the inner ring is fitted to the inner wall of the container body to enhance sealing properties, then sealing performance is improved, but a large force is needed for closing the lid member
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented from the sealing function. The projection and recess engagement provides mechanical locking with minimal force, while the gasket provides sealing independently. This separates the force requirement from the sealing requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection and recess are pre-positioned on the lid member and container body respectively. When the lid is closed, these features automatically engage to lock the lid in place before the gasket is compressed, eliminating the need for excessive closing force.
2Ease of operation
If the sidewall is provided to the lid member to enable closing operation, then the lid member can be closed, but the outer diameter of the lid member is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The sidewall structure is extracted from the lid member and transferred to the container body. The container body's sidewall provides the structural support needed for closing operation, while the lid member maintains a compact design with smaller outer diameter.
3Reliability
If the sidewall and inner ring sandwich the container body to lock the lid member, then the lid member is locked, but the path for air to escape is narrowed
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is provided by the projection and recess engagement, while the sealing function is provided by the gasket. This segmentation allows air escape paths to remain open during closing, preventing pressure buildup while maintaining reliable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection and recess engage to lock the lid in place before the gasket is compressed. This preliminary locking action secures the lid position without narrowing air escape paths, preventing pressure buildup.
4Reliability
If the inner ring is strongly pressed against the inner wall to ensure sealing, then sealing performance is improved, but the lid member may float or open unintentionally
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is provided by the projection and recess engagement, while the sealing function is provided by the gasket. This segmentation allows the lid to be securely locked without excessive gasket compression, preventing floating or unintentional opening while maintaining sealing performance.
Data Source
AI summary
In a container having a lid member coupled to a container body by a hinge, the lid member has a top panel, and an inner ring formed on the top panel, the inner ring being fitted to an inner peripheral surface of a sidewall of the container body in a closed state to seal the container body. The inner ring has an outer peripheral surface on which an outer peripheral surface projection is formed along a circumferential direction, and the container body has an inner peripheral surface on which an inner peripheral surface projection is formed along the circumferential direction, in the vicinity of an end portion of the sidewall. When closing the lid member, the outer peripheral surface projection contacts and slides over the inner peripheral surface projection to cause the lid member to be locked to the container body, with the inner ring sealing the container body.