Storage Bin Lid Lock Assembly and Friction Feet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Plastic storage bins with two-piece lids are prone to opening when heavy objects are placed on them, causing the sides to flex and the lid to separate, and inserting packing slips into closed and stacked bins is difficult due to the need to disassemble the stack.
Innovation Solution
The storage bin design features a hinged lid with a lock assembly and friction feet for secure stacking, allowing the lid to close securely and preventing accidental opening, and includes a label assembly for easy access to packing slips without disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If two-piece lids are used on storage bins, then the lid can be opened for access, but the lid may separate and open accidentally when heavy objects are placed on it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating a latch mechanism that preemptively counteracts the force causing lid separation. The latch engages with a keeper on the box body, creating a pre-established restraint that prevents the lid from opening when heavy objects are placed on it, rather than reacting after separation occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid is designed with integrated friction feet that make contact with the box body before the lid is fully closed. These friction feet create preliminary friction resistance that helps maintain lid closure stability and prevents accidental opening, especially when heavy objects are placed on the lid.
2Reliability
If strapping bands are used to secure the box, then the box sides are prevented from flexing outward, but the bands dig into the box edges causing cracks and failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the external strapping band from the system and replaces it with an integrated latch mechanism that is molded as part of the lid assembly. This eliminates the harmful external band that digs into box edges while maintaining the function of preventing box side flexing and lid opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is merged with the lid assembly, creating an integrated unit where the latch, friction feet, and lid form a single molded structure. This eliminates the need for separate external strapping bands and reduces the number of components that could cause damage to the box.
3Reliability
If the box is strapped over lid hinges, then the box is secured, but the hinges are crushed by the tightened strap rendering them inoperable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the external strapping band that causes hinge damage and replaces it with an integrated latch mechanism. The latch provides the necessary security function without requiring external bands that would crush the hinges, thereby preserving hinge functionality.
4Productivity
If the box is closed and stacked, then storage space is optimized, but packing slips cannot be inserted without disassembling the stack
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing pre-formed openings in the box body and lid that allow packing slips to be inserted before the box is closed and stacked. The friction feet are also positioned to facilitate this preliminary insertion action, enabling users to add documentation without later disassembly.
5Reliability
If friction feet are added to the box bottom, then secure stacking is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The friction feet are merged with the lid assembly, creating an integrated unit where the friction feet, latch, and lid form a single molded structure. This reduces device complexity by eliminating separate friction foot components while maintaining stacking stability through the friction feet's engagement with the box body.
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 solution ensures secure stacking and closure of the bins, preventing accidental opening and allowing for easy insertion of packing slips without disassembling the stack, enhancing usability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of friction feet are secured to the box bottom. Each friction foot including a planar portion configured to engage the planar lid surface of an adjacent storage bin and an upturned portion configured to engage the peripheral raised edge of the adjacent storage bin.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage bin including a box and a lid. The box includes a bottom and at least four walls extending from the bottom to an upper rim. The lid is configured to be positioned relative to the rim such that the lid closes the box. The lid defines a planar lid surface with an upwardly extending peripheral raised edge thereabout. A plurality of friction feet may be secured to the box bottom. The lid may include at least one lock assembly. The lid may include a label assembly.