Integrally Molded Rubber Latch Keeper for Insulating Containers

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing latching mechanisms for containers, especially insulating ones like coolers, are prone to breakage and corrosion due to harsh environmental conditions and rough handling, leading to ineffective temperature maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A latching mechanism with a latch attached to one portion and a latch keeper integrally molded to the opposing portion, featuring a recessed pocket and elongated slot for secure engagement, made from resilient materials like EPDM or Neoprene rubber, providing a durable and reliable closure system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional metal latching mechanisms with protruding brackets are used, then the container can be closed and secured, but the brackets are easily broken off when struck or subjected to harsh environmental conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatching mechanism durabilityVSAvoidbracket resistance to impact

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The latch and keeper are integrated directly into the container walls through integral molding, merging the latching function with the container structure itself. This eliminates separate protruding brackets that are vulnerable to breakage, while maintaining the closing and securing functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The latch is made from flexible resilient material that can deform and return to its original shape, allowing it to withstand impact forces without breaking. The material flexibility enables the latch to absorb shocks while maintaining its latching capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If stamped metal construction is used for the keeper, then the latching mechanism can function, but the metal exhibits wear and corrode over time particularly in harsh environmental conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatching mechanism functionalityVSAvoidcorrosion and wear resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses composite construction where the keeper is integrally molded into the container wall (providing structural support) while the latch is made from flexible resilient material (提供ing corrosion resistance and flexibility). This combination leverages the advantages of both material types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The latch is designed as a replaceable component made from resilient material that can wear or degrade over time. When the latch becomes worn, only this single component needs replacement rather than replacing the entire latching mechanism or corroded metal parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If rigid metal brackets protrude from the container surface, then the latching mechanism can engage, but the protruding structure is easily broken off when a force strikes the bracket

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatch engagementVSAvoidresistance to lateral impact

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The latch and keeper are integrated directly into the container walls through integral molding, merging the latching function with the container structure itself. This eliminates separate protruding brackets that are vulnerable to breakage, while maintaining the closing and securing functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The latch is made from flexible resilient material that can deform and return to its original shape, allowing it to withstand impact forces without breaking. The material flexibility enables the latch to absorb shocks while maintaining its latching capability.

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 mechanism effectively maintains a sealed position despite harsh conditions and rough handling, ensuring the container's ability to maintain desired temperatures over time without becoming obsolete.

Implementation Method 1

The latch is made from a resilient material, such as EPDM or Neoprene rubber, and has a generally elongated configuration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10046900B2Insulating container and latching mechanism

Publication Date: 2018.08.14 YETI COOLERS LLC

AI summary

According to an aspect of the invention, a latching mechanism/device is provided, as well as a method of maintaining a closed position between opposing first and second portions of a container. The latching mechanism includes a latch attached to the first portion and a latch keeper integrally molded to the second portion. The latch keeper includes an elongated keeper slot and a recessed pocket formed in the keeper slot, such that when at least a portion of the latch is received within the recessed pocket, the container is closed and/or sealed.