Modular Container Assembly with Interchangeable Rim Seal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing container assemblies are difficult to open and close, prone to leakage, and do not efficiently stack or store multiple types of items, leading to increased inventory and shipping costs.

Innovation Solution

A modular container assembly comprising multiple containers with identical rims that can be releasably engaged, allowing for easy stacking and storage, with at least one container inverted to form distinct areas for different items, and a seal feature to prevent leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If containers are designed with traditional closure mechanisms, then they can seal contents, but they become difficult to open and close

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidease of opening and closing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The closure mechanism is divided into separate components: a rim on the container and a corresponding engagement feature on the lid. These segmented parts work together through simple insertion and engagement motions, eliminating the need for complex traditional closure mechanisms while maintaining sealing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using traditional latch or screw mechanisms that require manipulation, the design inverts the approach by using a passive engagement system where the lid simply snaps onto the rim. The sealing action occurs automatically upon engagement, reversing the traditional sequence of closing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If containers are designed to be tightly sealed, then they prevent leakage, but they become difficult to open and close

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleakage preventionVSAvoidease of opening and closing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is segmented from the opening/closing mechanism. A separate engagement feature on the rim provides the sealing action independently, allowing the lid to be opened and closed easily without compromising leakage prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary engagement feature acts as a mediator between the lid and container body, providing both sealing and easy engagement. This intermediary element transfers the closing motion into an effective seal without requiring forceful or complex operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If customers purchase multiple types of containers to store different items, then they can organize items separately, but inventory requirements and shipping costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to store different itemsVSAvoidinventory quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The container is designed with universal features including an interchangeable rim and base system. A single container body can accept different rims or bases to create various configurations, allowing one container type to serve multiple storage purposes and reducing the need for multiple specialized container types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The container system is made dynamic and reconfigurable through interchangeable components. Customers can adapt existing containers for different uses by swapping rims or bases, transforming static single-purpose containers into dynamic multi-purpose storage solutions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If containers are designed with complex features for functionality, then they can perform multiple functions, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilitiesVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Complex functionalities are achieved through segmentation into simple, standardized components. The rim, base, and container body are separate, easily manufactured parts that combine to create versatile functionality, reducing the complexity of manufacturing each individual component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple functions are merged into a simple container design through the addition of basic interchangeable components. Rather than manufacturing complex integrated features, the design merges functionality through simple combinations of basic parts that are easier to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8343560B2Modular container assembly and merchandizing container display

Publication Date: 2013.01.01 REYNOLDS CONSUMER PRODUCTS INC

AI summary

A modular container assembly comprises first, second and third containers. Each of the containers includes a continuous body portion and a rim. The rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the body portion. The rim has a first feature projecting generally upwardly therefrom and a corresponding second feature being adapted to be releasably engageable with another one of the first feature. The rims of the containers are substantially identical. The containers are releasably engaged to each other by fitting respective upwardly-projecting features into the corresponding feature of another container or into the upwardly-projecting feature of another container. At least one of the first, second and third containers is inverted with respect to the remaining containers so as to form a modular container assembly.