Rotating Lid Assembly for Fastener Jar Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastener containers, such as jars, often lack ease of opening, access, and reclosing functionality, which are crucial for contractors on job sites, as they are either difficult to open or do not facilitate efficient storage and reuse.
Innovation Solution
A container assembly with a two-component lid assembly that includes an inner and outer lid component, where the outer lid is rotatable relative to the inner lid, allowing for a dispense position that provides access to the contents and a retain position that securely closes the container, along with stacking feet for easy storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional single-component lid is used on a fastener jar, then the structure is simple, but the ease of operation for opening and reclosing is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is divided into two functional components: an inner lid that threads onto the jar and an outer lid that rotates relative to the inner lid. This segmentation allows the opening and closing actions to be separated into distinct rotational movements, improving ease of operation while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer lid is designed to rotate dynamically relative to the inner lid, transitioning between a closed position (where it covers the jar opening) and an open position (where it reveals the opening). This dynamic capability enables easy switching between access and storage states, directly addressing the ease of operation requirement.
2Ease of operation
If a traditional jar lid is used, then the structure is simple, but the accessibility to contents is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the lid into inner and outer components with distinct functions, the design provides dedicated access functionality through the outer lid's rotational movement, which can expose the jar opening without requiring complete removal of the lid assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer lid acts as an intermediary element between the user and the jar contents. When rotated to the open position, it provides direct access to the contents while the inner lid maintains the sealed connection to the jar, facilitating easy access without compromising the overall closure integrity.
3Ease of operation
If containers are designed for easy access, then the ease of operation improves, but the security of closure and storage efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented lid design assigns different functions to each component: the inner lid provides secure threaded attachment to the jar, ensuring closure security, while the outer lid provides easy rotational access. This functional separation resolves the contradiction between easy access and secure closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic rotational capability of the outer lid allows it to transition between providing full coverage for secure storage and full exposure for easy access. When in the closed position, it works with the inner lid to provide secure closure; when rotated, it enables convenient access while the inner lid remains attached to maintain storage integrity.
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 enhances the user experience by providing easy access and secure closure of fasteners, while allowing for efficient stacking and storage, addressing the limitations of traditional containers.
Implementation Method 1
The outer lid component and the inner lid component include a set of interacting stops that limit rotation of the outer lid component relative to the inner lid component
Implementation Method 2
The upper neck portion includes an exterior thread arrangement. A lid assembly is threadedly connected onto the upper neck portion of the jar so as to be removable by unthreading
Data Source
AI summary
A container assembly includes a jar and a lid assembly. The jar includes a body portion defining an interior space for holding items and an upper neck portion disposed about a jar opening leading to the interior space. The lid assembly is connected to the upper neck portion of the jar and includes an inner lid component and an outer lid component. The outer lid component is rotatable relative to the inner lid component while the inner lid component remains stationary relative to the upper neck portion of the jar.