Sliding Lid Rail Structure for Vehicle Containers Exposed to Debris

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lid structures for vehicle-mounted containers are prone to operational failures due to the entry of foreign matter, such as sand, dust, or liquid, which impedes smooth sliding and deteriorates operability.

Innovation Solution

A lid structure with through holes in hinge portions, slope portions, and ribs that guide foreign matter away from the fitting area, combined with a regulatory member to prevent unintentional opening, ensuring smooth operation and maintaining a clean environment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a guide groove and protrusions structure is used for lid sliding, then the lid can slide along the opening portion, but foreign matter entry causes sliding failure and operability deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelid sliding operationVSAvoidsliding function reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful fitting area between the guide groove and protrusions by introducing through holes that allow foreign matter to pass through rather than accumulate in the fitting area. This removes the vulnerability point where foreign matter would cause sliding failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The lid structure incorporates through holes in the hinge portions, creating a porous configuration that allows foreign matter to pass through rather than blocking the sliding mechanism. This prevents foreign matter accumulation while maintaining the sliding function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

2Strength

If the lid is made rigid for structural strength, then the lid maintains shape, but foreign matter entry into the fitting area causes operational failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelid structural strengthVSAvoidlid sliding operation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by maintaining the overall rigid structure of the lid while introducing through holes in specific locations (hinge portions) to prevent foreign matter accumulation. This localized modification preserves structural strength while eliminating the operational hazard.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Object-generated harmful factors

If the through hole is positioned after the fitting area, then foreign matter can be drained, but foreign matter enters the fitting area before drainage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforeign matter drainageVSAvoidsliding function reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The through holes are positioned before the fitting area in the direction of foreign matter movement, allowing foreign matter to be drained preliminarily before it can reach and block the fitting area. This preliminary drainage action prevents operational failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250368140A1Lid structure for vehicle mounted container

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 NIFCO INC

AI summary

A lid structure for a vehicle mounted container includes a main body including an opening portion communicating with an inner storage space, the opening portion being on a top face of the main body; and a lid configured to open or close the opening portion. Lid rail portions formed on two sides of the lid are fit in a slidable manner to sidewall rail portions formed on respective inner faces in a pair of sidewall portions as side faces of the main body, so that the lid slides along the opening portion. The lid has through holes communicating with the storage space.