Rotating Clip Mechanism for Sealed Storage Lid Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage containers with advanced sealing mechanisms often make it difficult to remove the lid due to internal pressure differences, as users struggle to apply sufficient force or find purchase on the lid, especially when the pressure inside the container is lower than atmospheric pressure.
Innovation Solution
A storage container design featuring a clip that rotates between engaged and disengaged positions, utilizing a levered edge or cam mechanism to lift the lid off its seat on the base, allowing for easy removal without excessive force, even when the seal is tight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elaborate sealing means and attachment mechanisms are used to create air tight and leak proof seals, then sealing performance is improved, but lid removal becomes more difficult against lower pressure forces inside the sealed container
Solution Approach 1:
The clip performs a preliminary lifting action on the lid before complete removal is required. By engaging the lid's peripheral edge and rotating outward, the clip预先 raises the lid a small distance, breaking the seal and equalizing pressure before the user needs to pull the lid off completely.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user's pulling force and the lid. Instead of the user directly pulling on the lid against the seal, the clip mediates by providing a mechanical lever arm that amplifies the user's force and applies it at an optimal point to break the seal.
2Ease of operation
If users apply force to remove the lid against internal pressure difference, then lid removal is achieved, but sufficient purchase on the lid is difficult to find
Solution Approach 1:
The clip transforms the removal action from a purely vertical pulling motion to a rotational motion in a different dimension. By rotating outward from the container wall, the clip converts the user's lateral pulling force into an upward lifting force on the lid, providing better mechanical advantage.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid removal function is segmented into two distinct phases: (1) the clip rotates outward to lift the lid and break the seal, and (2) the user completes the removal by pulling the lid off. This segmentation allows each phase to use the most effective force application method for that stage.
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 clip mechanism enables effortless lid removal by overcoming the sealing force, reducing the need for users to apply significant force, and allows for easy grasping and removal of the lid, even when internal pressure is lower than external pressure.
Implementation Method 1
the contact surface is a levered edge of the clip that, as the clip rotates, the levered edge is levered about the rotational axis to engage the underside of the lid and raise it
Implementation Method 2
the contact surface can be, or can also be, a cam mechanism, or cam member, that lies on the rotational axis of the clip, and is specifically located where the clip is attached to a sidewall of the container
Implementation Method 3
The cam mechanism is adapted to wedge against the underside of the lid to raise it out of its sealed position on the base
Data Source
AI summary
A storage container comprising a container base having an upper opening defined by a peripheral top edge of the base; a removable lid with a circumferential seal, wherein the lid sealingly sits across the upper opening of the base; and a clip mounted to the base to rotate between an engaged position whereby the clip engages the lid against removal, and a disengaged position; wherein the clip includes a contact surface that as the clip rotates from the engaged position to the disengaged position, the contact surface is moved to lift the lid.