Snap Fit Container Closure with Audible Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing take-out containers with lids that do not secure properly can come open, leading to potential spillage and uncertainty for the user regarding the container's closure status.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a snap fit closure with audible feedback, where the corners of one part are shifted into openings of the other part, providing a user-friendly and secure attachment mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lid is placed on a container base, then the container can hold contents, but the lid may not secure properly and the container may come open
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an audible feedback mechanism where the interaction between corner elements and opening edges produces a distinctive sound when properly closed. This acoustic feedback allows users to verify closure status without visual inspection, directly resolving the contradiction between reliable securing and ease of verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure mechanism is segmented into discrete corner elements on the container base and corresponding openings in the lid. Each corner element independently engages with an opening, creating multiple localized connection points that collectively provide secure closure while maintaining simple operation.
2Ease of operation
If the container uses a simple lid placement design, then it is easy to use, but it cannot ensure proper sealing and may spill
Solution Approach 1:
The corner elements are pre-formed as integral features of the container base during molding, and the lid openings are pre-positioned to align with these corners. This preliminary configuration ensures that when the lid is placed on the base, the corners automatically align and engage with the openings without requiring user adjustment, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring reliable sealing.
3Loss of information
If the container provides visual inspection capability, then the user can verify closure, but it requires additional time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms closure verification from a visual task to an auditory task. The distinctive sound generated when corner elements engage with lid openings provides immediate feedback about closure status, eliminating the need for visual inspection and the time it consumes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the visual inspection mechanism (requiring user attention and time) with an acoustic signaling mechanism. The mechanical interaction between corners and openings generates sound waves that convey closure status information, substituting one sensing modality for another more efficient one.
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 container ensures an effective seal and provides audible feedback upon closure, eliminating the need for visual inspection and minimizing the risk of spillage.
Implementation Method 1
The container may be configured to generate an audible noise as a snap fit closure is made between the two parts
Data Source
AI summary
A container for holding contents therein is provided. The container has a first part and a second part. The first part has a plurality of corners including a first corner and a second corner. The second part has a rim extending around its perimeter. The second part defines a first opening at the rim at a first rim corner, and the second part defines a second opening at the rim at a second rim corner. The first corner is configured to be received in the first opening and the second corner is configured to be received in the second opening thereby providing a snap fit closure between the first part and the second part.