Snap-On Container Lid Flange for Secure Audible Closure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lids for containers are difficult to apply securely by hand and lack acoustic feedback for complete closure.

Innovation Solution

The lid features an outwardly inclined edge flange with inwardly directed roof-shaped projections that engage under the container's thickening, providing a secure and audible snapping mechanism, along with a stiffened design incorporating depressions and elevations for enhanced stability and a frangible piercing for straw access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the lid is designed with a simple edge flange for hand application, then ease of operation is improved, but secure retention and closure reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehand applicationVSAvoidsecure closure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The edge flange is segmented into multiple upwardly directed projections instead of a continuous flange. These projections engage with corresponding downwardly directed projections on the container, creating multiple discrete engagement points that provide secure retention while allowing simple hand application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The edge flange has different local properties: the outwardly inclined surface provides smooth hand application, while the upwardly directed projections provide localized engagement points for secure retention. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between ease of application and secure closure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the edge flange is made thick and rigid for secure mounting, then retention is improved, but ease of hand application deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveretentionVSAvoidhand application

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The thick rigid flange is segmented into discrete projections that can flex independently during hand application, then lock into place for secure retention. This segmentation allows the structure to be both rigid for retention and compliant for easy application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The edge flange transitions from a static thick structure to a dynamic system where projections can move during application. The projections flex outward during hand placement, then spring inward to engage with the container, providing both ease of operation and secure retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If multiple projections are added to the edge flange for secure engagement, then retention is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure retentionVSAvoidstructure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining projections and sealing surface are merged into a single integrated edge flange structure. The outwardly inclined surface provides sealing while the upwardly directed projections provide retention, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The edge flange performs multiple functions simultaneously: the outwardly inclined surface provides sealing and the upwardly directed projections provide retention. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, maintaining simplicity while achieving secure retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Loss of substance

If the lid material is made thinner for material savings, then material usage is reduced, but structural stiffness and retention deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial usageVSAvoidstructural stiffness

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The lid structure is segmented into a thinner main body with reinforced rib structures. The ribs provide localized stiffness where needed for retention and sealing, while the rest of the lid remains thin for material savings. This segmentation allows strength to be concentrated where required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lid has different local thicknesses and stiffness properties: the main body is thin for material savings, while reinforced ribs and the edge flange area have increased thickness and stiffness for structural integrity, sealing, and retention. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between material savings and structural strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9114916B2Cover with depressions for closing a container

Publication Date: 2015.08.25 HUHTAMAKI OY

AI summary

A lid for closing a container is provided. The lid may be deep-drawn from a plastics material film or produced in an injection-molding method. The lid includes a substantially downwardly directed edge flange for engaging over a thickening that encircles the container's upper edge. The edge flange can be formed to be inclined outwardly at least slightly and is provided with a plurality of inwardly directed projections capable of engaging under the thickening of the container. The lid also comprises a plurality of depressions. The depressions have a depth that is greater towards an interior lid area than towards the edge flange. The depressions have width that is greater towards the interior lid area than towards the edge flange.