Lidless Container With Interlocking Protrusions for Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers with integrated closure systems are complex to produce and use, particularly in high-speed packaging and transportation scenarios, where easy and reliable sealing is crucial to maintain product integrity under transport constraints.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring two distinct protrusions that project from the side wall, forming a sealing zone when brought together, with gripping portions located beyond the sealing zone, allowing for simple opening and resealing without separate lids, suitable for materials like paper or cardboard.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an integrated closure system is used in the container, then the container can be sealed without separate lids, but the geometry and manufacture become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is segmented into two separate protrusions (first and second protrusions) that can be independently formed and then brought together to create the seal. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining the integrated closure functionality, as each protrusion can be formed using standard forming processes without requiring complex integrated tooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusions are designed to be self-sealing through their geometric configuration and material properties. The seal is created by the natural interaction between the two protrusions when brought together, without requiring additional sealing mechanisms, adhesives, or complex assembly steps. The gripping portions enable the user to easily manipulate the protrusions into the sealed position.
2Reliability
If a complex closure system is used to ensure reliable sealing, then the seal can withstand transport constraints, but the closing operation becomes difficult to perform quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is designed to be self-actuating through the gripping portions. When the user grasps and moves the gripping portions, the protrusions are automatically guided into the sealed position by their geometric configuration. This eliminates the need for complex manual manipulation or additional locking mechanisms, enabling quick and reliable sealing in high-speed packaging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusions are formed with curved surfaces that facilitate easy engagement and sealing. The rounded geometry allows the protrusions to naturally align and seal when brought together, reducing the force and precision required for the closing operation while ensuring a reliable seal that can withstand transport vibrations and constraints.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate lids are used for closure, then the sealing can be simple, but parts need to be recycled separately increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The closure protrusions are integrated into the container body as a single unified structure. The first and second protrusions are formed as integral parts of the container, eliminating the need for separate lids or closure components. This merging simplifies the manufacturing process and ensures that the entire container can be recycled as a single piece, reducing the complexity of waste management and material recovery.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The container (10) for the product (P) has a bottom wall (1) and a side wall (2) extending tubularly to an annular end (20) surrounding an opening (O) for accessing the internal space (V). The container does not have a lid or disposable part, and has two separate protrusions (2a, 2b) projecting from the side wall to produce a closed configuration in which the two protrusions are simultaneously: - projecting away from the bottom wall, from the annular end (20), and - sealed together so as to form a sealing zone to make the opening (O) airtight, the container (10) having two gripping portions (4, 5) which are offset and distributed on the two protrusions (2a, 2b) and are arranged beyond the sealing zone, which makes the container easy to open. The container is recyclable, for example it is made of laminated paper or cardboard.