Movable Divider With Compression Seal For Flexible Container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers with dividers lack flexibility and secure sealing mechanisms, limiting the divider's placement and stability within the container.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a movable internal divider with a rigid inner member and a flexible outer seal member, allowing the divider to be placed vertically in the container at various locations and secured through compression, with the seal engaging the container's side walls and lid, eliminating the need for grooves or retaining members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed divider is used in the container, then the divider provides stable sealing at a specific location, but the container lacks flexibility in divider placement
Solution Approach 1:
The divider is designed as a movable component rather than a fixed structure. It can be positioned at various locations along the container length and secured at any desired position, transforming the static sealing solution into a dynamic one that adapts to different storage needs while maintaining reliable sealing through the compression mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism utilizes changes in compression force to maintain reliable sealing. The compression member applies variable compressive force on the seal member, which deforms to create a seal with the container wall. This parameter change (compression force) enables the divider to be positioned anywhere along the container while maintaining sealing integrity
2Reliability
If grooves or retaining members are added to secure the divider, then the divider stability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the need for grooves, retaining members, or other complex retaining structures from the container wall. Instead, it uses a separate compression member that applies force directly to the divider's seal member, simplifying the overall container structure while achieving reliable divider stabilization
Solution Approach 2:
The seal member acts as an intermediary between the compression member and the container wall. The compression member applies force to the seal member, which then contacts and seals against the container wall, creating a simple yet effective stabilization mechanism without requiring complex integrated structures
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 solution provides a flexible and secure sealing mechanism, allowing the divider to remain in place at multiple locations within the container, ensuring effective sealing and stability without additional retaining features.
Implementation Method 1
stay in place due to compression by the outer seal member at the first and second ends of the divider against the opposing side walls of the container body
Data Source
AI summary
A container assembly having a container body, a lid and a movable divider. The container body has opposing side walls, opposing end walls, and a bottom wall to define a cavity. The lid seals against the container body to close the cavity. The moveable divider has a rigid inner member and an outer wiper seal member. The divider has first and second ends, a top and a bottom. The divider can be placed vertically in the container body, with the bottom of the divider adjacent the bottom wall of the container body and the first and second ends of the divider against the first and second opposing side walls, respectively, and stay in place due to compression by the outer wiper seal member of the divider against the opposing side walls of the container body.