Stackable Container Lid With Orthogonal Boss Supports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional container lids lack sufficient strength and stability for stacking multiple lids, leading to deformation and improper fitting with containers over time due to weight-induced splaying of tapered portions.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a main body with raised surface features, channels, connecting bridges, and bosses with support features such as tubular and cross-shaped protrusions that align orthogonally to form a stable beam, preventing deformation by distributing weight evenly across the stack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If lids are designed with tapered portions to facilitate stacking, then stacking capability is improved, but structural strength deteriorates causing splaying and deformation under weight
Solution Approach 1:
The lid structure is segmented into multiple functional components: tapered lip portions for stacking, flat upper surfaces for load distribution, and reinforcing ribs for structural support. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without compromising overall strength
Solution Approach 2:
Flat upper surfaces are created on the tapered portions before stacking occurs. These pre-formed flat surfaces serve as load-bearing areas that distribute weight evenly across the stack, preventing the splaying that would otherwise occur under gravitational load
2Productivity
If multiple lids are stacked together to increase storage efficiency, then productivity is improved, but lid stability deteriorates due to weight-induced deformation
Solution Approach 1:
Flat upper surfaces are pre-formed on tapered portions to serve as load-bearing areas before stacking occurs. These surfaces distribute weight evenly across the stack, preventing deformation and maintaining stability throughout the stack
Solution Approach 2:
The lid combines different geometric features (tapered sections, flat surfaces, reinforcing ribs) into a composite structure that simultaneously enables stacking and maintains stability under load
3Adaptability or versatility
If tapered portions are deepened to increase stacking depth, then stacking capability is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to permanent deformation
Solution Approach 1:
Flat upper surfaces are created on tapered portions before stacking occurs. These pre-formed flat surfaces serve as load-bearing areas that distribute weight evenly, preventing the weight-induced deformation that would otherwise cause permanent dimensional changes
Solution Approach 2:
The lid structure has different local properties: tapered portions for stacking geometry, flat upper surfaces for load bearing, and reinforcing ribs for structural support. Each local region is optimized for its specific function, allowing deep stacking without compromising dimensional accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
A stackable lid for a container includes a main body having an interior portion circumscribed by a lip. The interior portion has a plurality of raised surface features, a plurality of channels, and a plurality of connecting bridges formed therein. A plurality of bosses extend from the interior portion of the main body. Each of the bosses includes a plurality of sidewalls. At least one support feature depends from an interior surface of at least one of the bosses.