Push-Button Flip-Top Lid Using Lever Pivot Without Spring Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spring-based push-button mechanisms for moist wipe dispensers suffer from deformation, increased material costs, bulkier appearance, and complications in recycling due to the use of non-plastic components, which compromises moisture retention and operational performance.
Innovation Solution
A rigid flip top assembly with a lever and flange mechanism that uses a pivot system without a separate spring component, where the lever pivots to open the lid, utilizing a polymer material like polyethylene terephthalate or polypropylene, and is designed to minimize material usage and enhance recyclability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a compressed spring is used in the push-button mechanism, then the lid can be thrown to an open position, but the spring distorts/deforms the dispenser components over time, compromising moisture retention and opening performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spring component entirely from the push-button mechanism. Instead of using a spring to provide the opening force, the invention uses a cam mechanism where the button's vertical movement is converted to horizontal movement that directly actuates the lid opening, eliminating the source of deformation while maintaining the desired opening action
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the spring-based mechanical system with a cam-based mechanical system. The cam mechanism converts the vertical button press into horizontal lever movement, which then opens the lid through a different mechanical pathway that does not involve spring compression and release, thereby avoiding component deformation
2Strength
If the wall sections are made thicker to address spring deformation, then component strength is improved, but the cost of polymer material increases
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the spring component entirely, the patent eliminates the need for reinforcement measures such as thicker wall sections. The cam mechanism operates without imposing cyclic deformation loads on the container walls, allowing the use of standard-thickness, cost-effective polymer materials while maintaining sufficient structural strength
3Ease of operation
If a compressed spring system is used, then the lid can be opened, but a certain amount of headspace is required, making it necessary to create a taller/thicker surrounding structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the spring-based mechanism with a cam mechanism that operates within the existing container headspace. The cam converts vertical button movement to horizontal lever movement without requiring the additional vertical space that a compressed spring would need, thereby maintaining a compact, thin package profile
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism transforms the vertical motion of the button press into horizontal motion of the lever, effectively utilizing space in a different dimension. This motion transformation allows the mechanism to function within the limited vertical headspace of a thin package while still achieving the lid opening function
4Ease of operation
If a rubber, silicone, or metal spring component is included in the package structure, then the push-button mechanism functions, but efforts to easily recycle the package material are complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes all non-plastic spring components (rubber, silicone, metal) from the mechanism. The entire push-button assembly is constructed from plastic materials only, making the package fully recyclable through standard plastic recycling streams without contamination from mixed materials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves material homogeneity by constructing the entire push-button mechanism from plastic materials. The button, lever, cam, and housing are all made from compatible plastics that can be recycled together as a single material stream, eliminating the complexity of separating and processing mixed materials
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 cost-effective, compact, and recyclable dispensing mechanism that maintains moisture retention and operational efficiency without the need for additional materials, addressing the issues of deformation and bulkiness in conventional designs.
Implementation Method 1
The lever has a first end and a second end, the lid being connected to the flange at a hinge proximate the second end, the lever extending in the longitudinal direction over a fulcrum. When a force is applied to the lever proximate the first end, the lever pivots at the fulcrum about a pivot axis, and the second end of the lever moves the lid from the closed position toward an open position.
Data Source
AI summary
A container for dispensing product includes a housing having an interior space. A rigid flip top assembly is disposed on the housing, and includes a lever, a lid, and a flange. The lid covers a dispensing orifice when in a closed position. The lever has a first end and a second end, and the lid is connected to the flange at a hinge proximate the second end. The lever longitudinally extends over a fulcrum. When a force is applied to the lever proximate the first end, the lever pivots at the fulcrum about a pivot axis, and the second end of the lever moves the lid from the closed position toward an open position.