Segmented Hinge-Lid Container Biasing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hinge-lid containers often experience 'smiling' issues where the inner frame becomes visible when not entirely closed, and the biasing mechanism can hinder smooth removal of contents or complete closure due to material preferences for either open or closed positions.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a transverse main hinge line across a central hinge section with cuts, and a biasing member connected to the lid and box, under tension to bias the lid closed when closed and open when open, allowing for smooth opening and complete closure without the 'smiling' effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If an integrally formed hinge is used to connect the lid and box, then the structure is simplified and manufacturing is easier, but the hinge material creates a bias towards one position that prevents complete closure or smooth removal of goods
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is divided into multiple sections (first hinge section, second hinge section, and central hinge section) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the hinge to overcome material bias and achieve complete closure by distributing the mechanical action across multiple articulated segments rather than a single rigid connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge transitions from a static, fixed-geometry connection to a dynamic system with variable geometry. The articulated sections allow the hinge to adapt its configuration during opening and closing operations, enabling it to overcome the elastic bias of the hinge material and achieve full closure that would be impossible with a rigid integral hinge.
2Ease of operation
If the lid is biased open by the hinge material, then the lid can be easily opened, but the inner frame becomes visible creating the 'smiling' effect when the container is not entirely closed
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated hinge creates a dynamic system where the lid can be easily opened by overcoming the bias, but the same mechanism enables complete closure by allowing the hinge sections to articulate fully. This dynamic configuration eliminates the static geometric constraint that caused the 'smiling' effect, as the hinge can now achieve a true closed position where the lid aligns perfectly with the box.
3Reliability
If the hinge material biases the lid closed, then complete closure is achieved, but smooth removal of goods from the container is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented hinge structure distributes the closing force across multiple sections rather than applying it through a single rigid connection. This segmentation allows the lid to close completely for reliability while the articulated nature of the hinge sections reduces the abruptness of the closing action, making it smoother and less obstructive to goods removal.
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 design ensures the lid remains closed when intended, preventing the 'smiling' effect and facilitating smooth content removal by maintaining structural integrity and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing member is under tension to bias the lid closed when the container is closed and extend through the central hinge section to bias the lid open when the container is open
Data Source
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AI summary
A container (27) comprises a box (28) and a lid (29), wherein the lid depends from the box via a transverse main hinge line, the main hinge line (5) extending across a central hinge section (30) and two adjacent hinge sections, wherein the central hinge section is separated from the two adjacent hinge sections by cuts, wherein the central hinge section (30) is further delimited by a upper hinge line (22) connecting the central hinge section (30) and the lid (29) and a lower hinge line (23) connecting the central hinge section (30) and the box(28), wherein the main hinge line extends across the central hinge section (30) between the upper hinge line (22) and the lower hinge line (23) and wherein the container (27) further comprises a biasing member (26) having one side connected to the inner side of the lid top wall(8) at a distance of between 2 mm and 15 mm from the lid back wall(6) and the other side connected to the box (28) below the central hinge section (30), the biasing member (26) being under tension to bias the lid (29) closed when the container (27) is closed and extend through the central hinge section (30) to bias the lid (29) open when the container (27) is open.