Living Hinge Container Lid Retention and Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing containers for hot liquids often leak or lose their lids, making it difficult to consume the liquid while holding the container, and they lack eco-friendly and reusable designs.

Innovation Solution

A container with a self-sealing lid retained by a living hinge, allowing for consumption in both closed and open conditions, featuring integral tabs for easy opening and made from biodegradable materials for reusability and environmental friendliness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a separate lid is used for the container, then the lid can be removed or lost, but this causes leakage and makes it difficult to consume liquid while holding the container

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of consumptionVSAvoidlid retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is merged with the container body through an integral living hinge connection, creating a unified structure that prevents lid loss while maintaining ease of opening and closing for liquid consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The living hinge provides a dynamic connection that allows the lid to move between open and closed positions while remaining attached to the container, enabling flexible operation without complete separation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the lid is made separate and removable, then it can be taken off easily, but this results in inadvertent loss or soiling of the lid

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelid removalVSAvoidlid loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The lid and container are combined into a single integral structure connected by a living hinge, eliminating the possibility of lid loss or soiling while maintaining easy opening and closing functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If a simple lid design is used, then manufacturing is easier, but this results in inadequate sealing and leakage during normal use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelid design simplicityVSAvoidsealing effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lid incorporates a flexible lip that engages with the container rim to create an effective seal, providing reliable leakage prevention while maintaining a relatively simple integrated design structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The container provides a secure seal to prevent leakage, allows for easy pouring and drinking, and is eco-friendly due to its biodegradable materials, addressing the issues of lid loss and material sustainability.

Implementation Method 1

retained by a living hinge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlexibility: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8100289B1Container with integral lid retained onto the top of the sidewall of the container by a living hinge, the container used to retain hot liquids

Publication Date: 2012.01.24 EARTHKARE PACKAGING INNOVATIONS CO

AI summary

A container used to retain hot liquids in manner which enables the liquid within the container to be consumed by a person holding the container in the person's hand and drinking the liquid when the lid is in either the open or closed condition. The container has the unique features of having a self-sealing lid which is retained on the container through a living hinge.