Plastic Hinge Ring for Metal Container Lid Pivoting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Hinged metal containers are more expensive to produce due to the complexity and additional metal processing steps required for forming hinges, and existing solutions, such as plastic hinge members, may not provide a seamless interfit connection between identical metal container halves.
Innovation Solution
A metal container design featuring a plastic hinge ring that secures a metal lid and bottom with matching peripheries, allowing for a living hinge that enables pivoting and a smoother outer profile, eliminating the need for intricate hinge formation and identical tool sets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal hinges are formed from metal tabs extending from container sides, then the lid and bottom are securely connected, but the production cost increases due to extra metal processing steps and complicated tool sets
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge function is extracted from the metal container walls and implemented as a separate plastic hinge member. This plastic hinge is inserted into channels formed in the container walls, eliminating the need for complex metal hinge formation processes while maintaining secure connection between lid and bottom
Solution Approach 2:
The solution uses a plastic hinge member instead of metal tabs to connect the container halves. The plastic material provides sufficient mechanical strength for the connection while being easier and less expensive to manufacture, creating a composite structure that combines plastic hinge with metal container walls
2Ease of manufacture
If a plastic hinge member is used to connect container halves, then production costs are reduced, but the hinge may not provide a seamless interfit connection between identical metal container halves
Solution Approach 1:
The plastic hinge member features specific local structures including channels that receive the rolled edges of identical metal container halves, upwardly open cavities for engagement, and living hinge portions for pivotal movement. These localized structural features ensure precise interfit connection while maintaining cost-effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic hinge member acts as an intermediary component between identical metal container halves. It provides the necessary engagement features and structural interface that enables seamless connection, mediating the connection between components that would otherwise not interfit perfectly
3Reliability
If intricate metal tabs are processed to form hinges, then the lid and bottom are securely connected, but the device complexity increases with extra processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge functionality is extracted from the complex metal tab formation process and implemented as a pre-formed plastic hinge member. This member is simply inserted into channels in the container walls, eliminating multiple metal processing steps including tab formation, rolling, and shaping
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic hinge member provides a simpler, less expensive alternative to intricate metal hinge construction. While metal hinges offer durability, the plastic hinge achieves sufficient connection security at lower complexity and cost, accepting that it may be replaced with the container
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
This design reduces production costs by simplifying the hinge formation process and allows for a seamless interfit connection between identical metal container halves, enhancing usability and aesthetics while maintaining a high-end feel.
Implementation Method 1
The hinge ring has first and second continuous ring members and a living hinge integrally joining the ring members
Data Source
AI summary
A hinged connector for joining a metal lid and metal bottom to form a hinged container is provided. The metal lid and metal bottom have generally matching formed edges preventing interfitting of the container lid and bottom. The hinged connector is formed of plastic and includes a pair of ring members that are pivotable relative to one another via an integral hinge. The two ring members are continuous about a periphery that is generally shaped to the periphery of the lid and bottom. The ring members form seats for engaging the formed edges of the lid and bottom. The ring members securely grip the formed edges of the lid and body to form the container. By connecting the lid and bottom through the living hinge, the hinge connector allows the lid and bottom to pivot relative to one another between open and closed positions.