Sliding Container Cover With Actuator Struts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional container systems require significant force and dexterity for lid closure and opening, making them difficult for users with limited strength or dexterity, such as the elderly, arthritic individuals, and those with temporary disabilities to operate effectively.
Innovation Solution
A container system with a vessel and cover design that allows for sealing through transverse movement of the cover along a channel, converting sliding force into vertical sealing pressure using an actuator and struts, enabling one-handed operation and reduced force requirement, with optional tactile feedback for secure sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional lid closure systems are used, then secure sealing is achieved, but significant force and dexterity are required for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the sealing mechanism from requiring vertical pressing force to utilizing horizontal sliding motion. The cover slides along a channel in the horizontal plane, and this horizontal movement automatically converts to vertical sealing pressure through the mechanical geometry of the actuator and struts, eliminating the need for users to apply significant downward force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism consisting of the actuator and struts that mediates between the user's sliding action and the sealing requirement. This intermediary converts the horizontal sliding force into vertical sealing pressure, allowing users with limited strength to achieve secure sealing without directly applying vertical force.
2Reliability
If conventional lid closure systems are used, then secure sealing is achieved, but complex multi-dimensional manipulation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the manipulation from complex multi-dimensional lid positioning and pressing to a single horizontal sliding motion along a channel. This dimensional change reduces the degrees of freedom required for operation, making the system accessible to users with limited dexterity while maintaining secure sealing through the automatic conversion of horizontal motion to vertical pressure.
3Reliability
If cover height is increased for better sealing, then sealing effectiveness improves, but insertion and operation become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic cover structure where the height of the cover changes during operation. In the retracted position, the cover has a reduced profile for easy insertion. During sealing, the actuator extends the struts to increase the cover height, applying sealing pressure. This dynamic height adjustment allows easy insertion while maintaining effective sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent decouples the insertion difficulty from sealing effectiveness by separating these functions into different dimensions. Horizontal sliding along the channel handles insertion, while vertical extension of the actuator handles sealing pressure. This allows the cover to have a low profile for easy insertion but still achieve high sealing pressure when needed.
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
Facilitates easy sealing and opening of containers with minimal force and dexterity, allowing wider user accessibility and providing secure closure without complex multi-dimensional manipulation.
Implementation Method 1
applying a first force to the cover in a first direction, and converting the first force into a second force which is transverse to the first force to seal the cover against the vessel
Data Source
AI summary
A container system may include a vessel with a cavity for storing foodstuff and/or small items, and a cover for sealing the contents of the vessel. The cover may be reconfigurable from a first configuration to be transversely slid along a channel formed on an upper edge of the vessel and a second configuration to seal the vessel when positioned over the cavity. The cover may include a lid and an actuator to reconfigure the cover. The actuator may include an actuator plate and a plurality of struts arranged between the actuator plate and the lid. When the lid is positioned over the cavity, the actuator plate may be urged in a vertically upward direction relative to the vessel by the struts, to seal the lid against the vessel.