Rectangular Pail Locking Lid With Segmented Rim Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking lid designs for containers lack an effective mechanism to securely engage and disengage the lid, particularly for applications requiring incremental tightening and tamper indication, which compromises the structural integrity and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A container assembly with a first locking mechanism integrated into the rim that cooperates with a second locking member on the lid, featuring a linearly actuated abutment and angled teeth, allowing lateral or tangential movement to engage and disengage stops, and an internal tamper indicator for ensuring product integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the lid, then the security and structural integrity are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two separate parts: a first locking mechanism portion integrated into the rim and a second locking mechanism portion on the lid. This segmentation allows each part to be simpler in design while collectively providing secure locking functionality, resolving the contradiction between security and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second locking mechanism portions are designed to cooperate with each other through engagement features. By merging these two portions into a coordinated system, the patent achieves secure lid locking without requiring a single complex mechanism, thus improving reliability while managing complexity through modular integration.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism with multiple engagement features is used, then the locking reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism incorporates movable elements including a linearly actuated abutment that can move laterally or tangentially, and a hinge connection that allows rotational movement. These dynamic features enable the mechanism to transition smoothly between locked and unlocked states, maintaining reliable engagement while improving ease of operation through controlled motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to engage and disengage automatically through the interaction of its components. The linearly actuated abutment and hinge connection work together to provide self-locking functionality, reducing the need for complex manual operations while maintaining secure engagement, thus improving both reliability and ease of operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If incremental tightening capability is provided, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The incremental tightening capability is achieved through the segmented design of the locking mechanism portions. The first locking mechanism portion in the rim and the second locking mechanism portion on the lid can engage at different stages, providing controlled incremental tightening. This segmentation allows precise control over the tightening process without requiring a single complex adjustment mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A container having a locking lid assembly preferably provides a container which receives a lid with a hinged top. The lid may have a tamper indicator and the top preferably cooperates with the container to lock the top in a closed or locked configuration.