Self-Closing Container Lid with Check Strap Hold-Open Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container lids can close on individuals while they are putting items in or removing them, and people often forget to close the lid, leading to potential damage from excessive opening or force.
Innovation Solution
A self-closing lid mechanism with adjustable tension, utilizing a check strap detent mechanism and synchronized arms with gears, allows the lid to hold open positions, prevent over-rotation, and self-close by overcoming tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lid is made to self-close automatically, then the lid closes reliably without user intervention, but the user cannot easily hold the lid open while accessing items
Solution Approach 1:
The lid mechanism transitions from static (either open or closed) to dynamic with multiple stable positions. The detent mechanism creates distinct stable states: fully closed position and held-open position(s), allowing the lid to maintain reliability while providing operational flexibility. The spring-loaded detent engages at specific angular positions to create these stable states.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid system serves itself by automatically closing when not actively held open. The spring mechanism stores energy that automatically engages the detent to close the lid, eliminating the need for user intervention to ensure closure. Meanwhile, the user can override this self-closing behavior by applying force to hold the lid open during access.
Solution Approach 3:
The mechanism changes the angular position parameter of the lid from continuous movement to discrete positions. The detent engages at specific angular positions (fully closed and held-open positions), transforming the continuous rotational parameter into discrete states that provide both automatic closure and controlled opening capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If the lid is allowed to open freely, then the user can access items easily, but the lid may be opened too far or with too much force causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The detent mechanism provides preliminary protection against over-opening by engaging at a predetermined angular position. Before the lid can be opened too far or with excessive force that would cause damage, the detent engages to create a mechanical stop, preventing the harmful action of over-rotation or excessive force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded detent mechanism cushions the transition between open and closed positions. The spring absorbs excess force that might otherwise damage the lid or hinge mechanism, providing a cushioning effect that protects the structural integrity while still allowing easy access during normal operation.
3Productivity
If the lid closes quickly, then the self-closing function is efficient, but the lid may close on users' hands or fingers
Solution Approach 1:
The closing action is made dynamic and controllable rather than purely spring-driven. The detent mechanism creates a controlled closing sequence where the lid approaches the closed position and then engages the detent in a staged manner. This dynamic engagement allows the closing force to be applied progressively, reducing the risk of pinching while maintaining efficient self-closing.
Solution Approach 2:
The detent mechanism acts as an intermediary between the spring force and the lid closure. Instead of the spring directly closing the lid quickly, the detent mediates the closing action by engaging at a predetermined position, controlling the timing and distribution of the closing force to prevent pinching hazards while maintaining efficiency.
4Device complexity
If a simple hinge is used, then the device complexity is low, but the lid cannot hold open positions or prevent over-rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is segmented into functional components: a simple hinge for basic rotation, a spring-loaded detent mechanism for position control, and engagement features for holding open positions. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simplicity where needed (basic hinge) while adding complexity only where functional requirements demand (detent for position control and over-rotation prevention).
Solution Approach 2:
The detent mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it holds the lid at open positions, prevents over-rotation, and enables automatic closure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while achieving versatile lid control capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A container may include a cargo bay for holding items; a lid able to slide between a closed position to an open position relative to the cargo bay; a check strap operatively connected to the lid and able to move vertically in a first direction toward the lid as the lid slides from the closed position to the open position, and to move vertically in a second direction opposite the first direction as the lid slides from the open position to the closed position; and arms operatively attached to rollers and to one or more tension devices, wherein when the check strap moves vertically in the first direction, the check strap separates the rollers and causes the arms to pull the one or more tension devices, and wherein when the check strap moves vertically in the second direction, the one or more tension devices cause second rotation of the arms.