Snap Fit Container Assembly Lid Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing petri dishes and contact plates face issues with lid separation during sampling, leading to inaccurate results due to unwanted microorganism transfer and ergonomic challenges from rotational locking mechanisms that can be over-torqued, making it difficult to open and close the containers efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A container assembly with a snap fit locking mechanism that secures the lid to the base using latch and key members, requiring a compressive force for locking and unlocking without rotational movement, ensuring secure engagement and easy disengagement without excessive torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a compression fit locking mechanism is used to secure the lid to the base, then the lid is prevented from inadvertent separation, but the frictional forces become too high making it difficult to separate the lid from the container
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct latch members and key members. The latch members are positioned on the base and the key members on the lid, creating discrete engagement points rather than a continuous compression fit. This segmentation allows for controlled locking and unlocking at specific locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is extracted from a continuous compression fit and concentrated into specific latch and key members. This extraction creates discrete engagement points that provide secure locking without the excessive friction of a continuous compression fit, enabling easy lid separation when needed.
2Reliability
If a rotational locking mechanism is used to secure the lid, then the lid can be locked to the base, but repeated rotational movement with torsional force creates ergonomic issues for technicians handling several hundred containers daily
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a rotational locking mechanism that requires torsional force, the invention inverts the approach by using a linear pressing motion. The latch members and key members engage through a simple pressing action, eliminating the need for rotational movement and reducing ergonomic strain on technicians.
3Ease of operation
If the lid is made sufficiently loose to enable one-handed removal, then ease of operation is improved, but the lid may inadvertently separate from the base during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The latch members and key members are designed to automatically engage when the lid is placed on the base, without requiring additional locking actions. The geometry of the key members and latch members ensures self-engagement, providing secure attachment while maintaining ease of removal through a simple pressing motion.
Data Source
AI summary
A container assembly such as a petri dish or a contact plate for use as a sampling device for microorganisms includes a base member, a lid and a locking mechanism that provides a secure locking engagement between the lid and the base member. The locking mechanism is designed such that does not lock except upon application of a specific intentionally applied compressive force, and which may be readily disengaged from locking engagement without the need for a rotational movement or torsional force.