Pail Locking Lid With Nested Linear Abutment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container locking lid designs are not effective for certain uses, particularly in providing a secure locking mechanism that engages stops above the threads and allows for easy removal by disengagement of the locking mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A container assembly with a locking mechanism connected to the lid's downwardly extending wall, featuring a linearly actuated abutment that engages stops on the container, allowing the lid to be locked in one direction and easily disengaged for removal by twisting relative to the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is provided that engages stops above the threads on the container, then the lid retention security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is nested within the downwardly extending wall of the lid, with the abutment featuring outwardly directed teeth that engage with corresponding teeth on the container. This nesting approach integrates the locking function into the existing lid structure without adding external components, thereby improving security while minimizing complexity increase
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: the abutment with outwardly directed teeth for engagement, the downwardly extending wall for structural support, and the biased member for automatic locking action. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, achieving reliable locking without unnecessary complexity
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism with outwardly directed teeth is used, then the locking reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through a biased member that automatically pushes the abutment outward to engage the stops on the container. When the lid is twisted during removal, the mechanical action automatically disengages the teeth, eliminating the need for separate unlocking actions and maintaining ease of operation despite improved locking reliability
3Reliability
If stops are provided on the outer circumference of the pail above the threads, then the locking mechanism effectiveness is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stops featuring outwardly directed teeth are merged with the container's existing threading structure. The teeth are formed as an integral part of the container wall during the molding process, combining the stopping function with the existing structural elements. This approach achieves effective locking engagement while avoiding separate manufacturing steps or additional components
Data Source
AI summary
An open ended container with locking lid can provide a number of features. The lid and the container have cooperating threads. The lid has also has a locking mechanism connected to the lid, such as from a downwardly extending wall. The container has a stop, in some embodiments accessible from below, such as with an upwardly extending abutment of the locking mechanism. In fact, some embodiments have a stop as a portion of teeth in which at least some of the teeth which are not in contact with an abutment of the locking mechanism, engage the threads of the lid to assist in retaining the lid on the container.