Split Clamping Ring Lever Mechanism for Push-On Pail Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pail lid closure systems either require extensive handling for removal or do not allow for the traditional push-on mounting procedure, and they must meet stringent safety and storage requirements such as drop tests and tight packing for high-density stacking.
Innovation Solution
A pail with a clamping ring that uses a lever connected to a split clamping ring, where the lever is connected via spring means to maintain the ring's smallest diameter, allowing for a push-on mounting without additional handling steps and providing a secure, tool-free opening and closing mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a clamping ring with lever closure is used to enable easy opening and closing, then ease of operation is improved, but the traditional push-on mounting procedure cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping ring incorporates a lever mechanism that dynamically changes the ring's diameter between a clamped state (smaller diameter) and an open state (larger diameter). The lever can be actuated to temporarily widen the ring for push-on mounting, then return to the clamped position, providing both easy mounting and easy opening/closing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
A lever mechanism serves as an intermediary element between the user's manual operation and the clamping ring's diameter change. The lever translates simple user motion into the complex action of widening and narrowing the split ring, enabling both push-on mounting and easy opening without requiring tool manipulation of the ring itself.
2Reliability
If the clamping ring is kept in smallest diameter for secure clamping, then reliability is improved, but the ring cannot be pushed on easily
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping ring is designed to dynamically change its diameter based on operational needs. During mounting, the ring is temporarily widened to allow push-on installation, then automatically returns to its smallest diameter for secure clamping. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between ease of mounting and clamping security.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever mechanism is pre-configured to automatically widen the ring when actuated, preparing the ring for push-on mounting before the actual mounting action occurs. This preliminary widening action eliminates the need for forced installation while maintaining secure clamping afterward.
3Ease of manufacture
If spring means are added to maintain the ring's smallest diameter, then device complexity is increased, but the push-on mounting becomes possible
Solution Approach 1:
Spring means are incorporated into the lever mechanism to automatically maintain the clamping ring in its smallest diameter after mounting. The spring provides self-service by automatically returning the ring to the clamped position without requiring additional user action, tools, or complex control systems, thus limiting the increase in device complexity.
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
Enables reliable, consumer-friendly mounting and opening of the pail lid with a simple push-on procedure while ensuring the pail remains tight and safe during handling, transport, and storage, meeting UN-approval standards for drop tests and allowing for high-density stacking.
Implementation Method 1
spring means connecting the lever to at least one of the ring ends... the spring means generally maintain the split clamping ring in its smallest diameter by applying a sufficient circumferential or hoop spring force
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a pail body having a pail end defining a pail opening, a lid closing the pail opening, and a clamping ring clamping the lid onto the pail end, wherein the clamping ring comprises a lever connected to the ends of a split clamping ring, which lever in a closed position clamps the split clamping ring onto the pail end, and in an open position widens the ring, and spring means connecting the lever to at least one of the ring ends, to the clamping ring, and a method for applying the clamping ring to a pail body.