Lidded Vessel Assembly Segmented Latching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lidded vessels for laboratory use are prone to contamination and difficult to handle due to relaxation of the sealing geometry when not closed, requiring high clamping forces for sealing and making it hard to operate and label.
Innovation Solution
A lidded vessel assembly with a first latching device that allows the lid to be securely locked in a parking position, avoiding tension between the sealing area and plug, enabling easy sealing and reducing the risk of contamination, while a second latching device facilitates sealing with lower user forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lid is not closed (open position), then the vessel is accessible for filling and labeling, but the sealing geometry relaxes and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the lid's operational positions into distinct segments: an open position for filling/labeling, a intermediate parking position with first latching device engagement, and a sealed position with second latching device engagement. This segmentation allows the lid to maintain reliable sealing geometry when closed while remaining accessible during operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The first latching device engages the lid in a parking position before final sealing occurs. This preliminary action maintains the sealing geometry in a ready state without requiring the lid to be fully closed, enabling easy access for filling and labeling while preserving sealing integrity.
2Reliability
If a high clamping force is applied to ensure sealing, then the sealing reliability improves, but the force required to close and open the vessel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching system is segmented into two devices: the first latching device engages at the parking position to maintain geometry, and the second latching device engages at the sealed position to provide sealing force. This segmentation distributes the force requirements, reducing the peak force needed compared to a single latching system.
Solution Approach 2:
The first latching device acts as an intermediary mechanism that maintains the sealing geometry in a low-force state during transport and handling. When sealing is required, the second latching device engages to provide the necessary clamping force, reducing the overall force burden on the user.
3Reliability
If the lid is delivered in a closed state, then contamination protection is improved, but the sealing geometry relaxes and the vessel must be opened and closed again for use
Solution Approach 1:
The first latching device is designed to engage automatically when the lid is closed, maintaining the sealing geometry in a ready state without requiring full sealing engagement. This allows the vessel to be delivered in a closed, protected state while maintaining sealing integrity, eliminating the need for repeated opening and closing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the state parameter of the lid from fully sealed to partially engaged (parking position) during transport. The first latching device maintains the sealing geometry at this intermediate state, allowing contamination protection during delivery while preserving the ability to seal quickly during use without geometry relaxation.
Data Source
AI summary
A lidded vessel assembly comprises a tubular vessel, a lid, and a latching device. The tubular vessel defines a vessel opening and comprises a vessel base, an inner wall, a sealing area and a parking area both defined on the inner wall and both positioned below the vessel opening. The lid comprises a lid base having an inside surface, and a plug projecting from the inside surface of the lid base. The plug is configured to be inserted through the vessel opening to engage the parking area to define a parking position, and configured to be further inserted through the vessel opening out of the parking area to bias against a portion of the sealing area to define a sealing position. The first latching device comprises a first latching element positioned on the inner wall of the vessel, and a second latching element positioned on the outside of the plug.