Sealed Container Cap Latch Mechanism for Uniform Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealed container caps with ring gaskets suffer from contamination, uneven force application, and reduced sealing effectiveness due to the accumulation of dirt and mold, as well as the inconvenience of frequent cleaning and reassembly.
Innovation Solution
A cap closing structure featuring a latch member on the lower cover with an elastic element and a handle, where the elastic element is clamped between the top and base plates, and a guiding structure allows stable up/down movement and tight sealing by rotating the dial lever, enhancing structural strength and assembly efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ring gasket is installed at the bottom edge of the cap to achieve airtight sealing, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the gasket accumulates dirt and mold requiring frequent cleaning and reassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional ring gasket from the cap structure entirely. Instead, it uses a sealing ring integrated into the container opening that works with a latch mechanism to achieve sealing without a separate removable gasket, eliminating the need for frequent cleaning and reassembly of gaskets
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is merged with the container opening structure itself rather than being a separate component. The sealing ring is integrated into the container opening and works in conjunction with the latch member and elastic element to provide sealing, reducing the number of separate parts that require maintenance
2Force
If an elastic element is used to compress the gasket for sealing, then sealing force is improved, but force application becomes uneven and inclined reducing sealing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an asymmetric latch mechanism with a dial lever and arm configuration that provides controlled, uniform force application. The lever arm rotates around a shaft to engage the latch member, creating a mechanical advantage system that distributes sealing force evenly around the sealing ring rather than applying concentrated or inclined force
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the static elastic element compression with a dynamic latch mechanism. The dial lever can be rotated to engage or disengage the latch member, providing controlled activation of the sealing force. The elastic element is used to bias the latch member against the container opening, creating a spring-loaded sealing action that maintains consistent force
3Reliability
If multiple components are used for the sealing mechanism, then sealing functionality is improved, but assembly complexity and time are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The latch member serves multiple functions: it engages with the dial lever mechanism to provide controlled sealing force, works with the elastic element to maintain sealing pressure, and interfaces with the sealing ring to achieve the seal. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the sealing mechanism into modular components that can be manufactured separately and assembled efficiently. The latch member, dial lever, arm, shaft, and elastic element are distinct parts that can be produced using standard manufacturing processes and assembled in a straightforward sequence
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 stable, effective sealing mechanism with reduced contamination risks and simplified assembly, ensuring consistent sealing performance and improved user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic element is mounted onto an outer perimeter of the latch member and elastically clamped between the top plate and the bottom plate
Data Source
AI summary
A cap closing structure for a sealed container includes an upper cover, a lower cover, an elastic element and a handle member. The upper cover includes a top plate having a through hole and a circumferential bracket having a retaining slanted surface. The lower cover underneath the upper cover includes a base plate having a latch member penetrating into the through hole and a sealing ring. The latch member includes a guiding structure. One end of the sealing ring is at outer side of the retaining slanted surface. The elastic element is mounted onto the latch member and clamped between the top and base plates. The handle member includes a dial lever and an arm with a shaft operably moving inside the guiding structure for the sealing ring to be sealed between the retaining slanted surface and container.