Single-Compartment Plastic Case With Living Hinge Lids
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blister pack designs are difficult for individuals with limited dexterity or physical limitations to open, often require sharp tools, and result in aluminum foil shards being ingested, leading to health issues and unrecyclable waste.
Innovation Solution
A single-piece plastic storage case with multiple joined compartments and snap cover lids attached via living hinges, made from a uniform recyclable material, allowing easy access and reducing the risk of sharp edges and foil shards, with a design that facilitates easy opening and recyclability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If blister packs are made with aluminum foil and PVC materials, then protective sealing is achieved, but difficulty in opening and risk of sharp shards increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from multi-material (PVC and aluminum foil) to single-material (polyethylene), which fundamentally alters the opening characteristics while maintaining protective sealing functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable single-use container design where the entire package is discarded after use, eliminating the need for complex opening mechanisms and reducing risks associated with reusable sealing systems
2Reliability
If multi-material blister packs are used, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but recyclability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by using a single polyethylene material throughout the entire container structure, which maintains sealing effectiveness while enabling straightforward recycling as the material can be processed without separation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the lid and base into a single integral polyethylene structure, eliminating the need for separate materials and simplifying both manufacturing and recycling processes while maintaining effective sealing
3Ease of operation
If complex opening mechanisms are added to blister packs, then ease of opening is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-opening mechanism where the container is designed to be opened by simply pulling the lid, utilizing the material's inherent properties rather than complex mechanical aids, thus maintaining simplicity while improving ease of opening
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 safe, easy-to-open packaging system that minimizes the risk of injury and facilitates recycling, as it is made from a single, soft plastic material that can be reused and recycled without separating components, reducing medical waste and improving usability for individuals with special needs.
Implementation Method 1
a snap cover lid that are joined to the compartment via a living hinge
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is a plastic storage case predominantly for small parts that consists of a plurality of joined storage compartments with each having a snap cover lid that are joined to the compartment via a living hinge forming a full enclosure that can be opened and closed easily. A unique aspect of the invention is that it can contain many joined storage compartments in one integral unit made of a single recyclable plastic such as High Density Polypropylene. When use is complete, this allows the entire package to be placed in a recycle container and then ground up to be molded again making new parts.