Safety Ring for Containers with Clamping Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety rings for containers, while providing secure locking, are not re-closable after initial opening, and may not ensure stable locking in critical conditions such as accidental falls.
Innovation Solution
A re-closable safety ring design featuring a curved band with a clamping device allowing end portions to slide, combined with a radially projecting and foldable circumferential edge that can absorb impact, providing both re-closability and enhanced stability through distributed strain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional closed safety ring is used, then secure locking of the lid is achieved, but the container cannot be re-closed after opening
Solution Approach 1:
The safety ring is divided into two separate end portions that can move relative to each other. The first end portion remains fixed while the second end portion can be displaced circumferentially by the clamping device, enabling the ring to transition between locked and unlocked states while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The safety ring transitions from a static closed structure to a dynamic system where the second end portion can move circumferentially. The clamping device enables controlled displacement of the second end portion, allowing the ring to adapt between providing maximum locking strength and allowing lid removal/reclosure
2Adaptability or versatility
If an open safety ring with clamping device is used, then re-closability is achieved, but locking stability in critical conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The first end portion is pre-formed with a folded circumferential edge creating a curl with circular or arc-shaped cross section. This preliminary structural configuration provides inherent locking stability and impact absorption capability before the container is even filled, ensuring reliable locking from the outset
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the safety ring have different structural characteristics: the first end portion has a folded curl structure for stability and impact resistance, while the second end portion remains relatively simple to allow circumferential movement. This local differentiation optimizes both locking stability and re-closability
3Strength
If the curved band is made rigid for stable locking, then locking strength is improved, but ease of application and automation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The safety ring incorporates controlled flexibility through the movable second end portion that can be displaced by the clamping device. This dynamic capability allows automated systems to easily apply and remove the ring by actuating the clamping mechanism, while the overall structure maintains sufficient rigidity for secure locking when engaged
Data Source
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AI summary
A safety ring (100) for closing a container (105), wherein said container (105) comprises an opening (110), an annular flange (120) that surrounds and protrudes radially from said opening (110) and a lid (125) capable of closing said opening (110) and having a perimeter edge (130) able to rest on the annular flange (120), wherein the safety ring (100) comprises: a curved band (140) which extends about a predetermined central axis (X) and which exhibits a first and a second end portion (160, 165) overlapped on each other, a clamping device (195) operable to make said end portions (160, 165) slide in a circumferential direction, keeping them in mutual overlap, between an open-ing configuration, wherein the overlapping of said end portions (160, 165) is minimal and the diameter of the curved band (140) relative to the central axis (X) is maximum, and a closing configuration, wherein the overlap of said end portions (160, 165) is maximum and the diameter of the curved band (140) is minimal, and wherein said curved band (140) exhibits a lateral strip (155), substantially cylindrical in shape, able to surround the annular flange (120) of the container (105), a first circumferential edge (145) projecting radially inward with respect to the lateral strip (155), which is adapted to be overlapped on the perimeter edge (130) of the lid (125), and a second circumferential edge (150) able to be folded under the annular flange (120) of the container (105).