Storage Box Cover with Flexible Edge for Dustpan Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals, especially those who are not well-organized, face difficulties in quickly finding and using dustpans during cleaning tasks due to lack of designated storage, leading to inefficiencies in sweeping and waste collection.
Innovation Solution
A receptacle design featuring a removable cover element with a flexible edge that adapts to uneven surfaces, serving as both a lid for storage and a dustpan, equipped with a handle for ergonomic handling and improved waste collection, and enhanced sealing to protect contents from environmental elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the second wall of the cover element is made entirely of rigid material, then structural strength and durability are improved, but the ability to adapt to uneven surfaces and provide smooth waste passage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The second wall of the cover element is designed with non-uniform flexibility distribution: the first edge region comprises a flexible material to adapt to uneven surfaces, while the remainder of the second wall is composed of rigid material to maintain structural strength. This local differentiation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover element combines flexible material and rigid material in a single component structure. The flexible material (e.g., silicone, rubber, elastomer) is integrated with the rigid material (e.g., reinforced plastic, injection moldable material) to create a composite structure that simultaneously provides adaptability and structural integrity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the cover element is designed with extensive overlapping walls for sealing, then protection from environmental elements is improved, but handling and accessibility during cleaning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is localized to specific regions where the second wall overlaps with the base body walls. The flexible material is strategically positioned at the first edge to provide sealing contact with the base body, while the rest of the cover element maintains a simpler structure for easier handling.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the flexible zone comprises the entire first edge, then adaptability to uneven surfaces is maximized, but manufacturing complexity and material cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible material is applied only to the first edge region of the second wall where adaptability is most needed for sealing and waste passage. The remainder of the second wall uses rigid material, reducing overall material cost and simplifying manufacturing while maintaining necessary adaptability at the critical interface with the base 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
Facilitates efficient sweeping and collection by providing a flexible and adaptable dustpan surface, ensuring effective waste containment and protection of stored items from moisture, while improving handling and insight during cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
a zone at the first edge with a flexible characteristic, the first edge is in a position of being adaptable to be pressed against uneven grounds, following its shape
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~4
Figure 5~6a
AI summary
The invention relates to a receptacle (1), in particular a storage box, which comprises a base body (5) and a removable cover element (7). The cover element (7) is adapted to cover an open top side of the base body (5). The base body (5) comprises a bottom wall, a front wall (25), a rear wall (11) and two side walls (27, 27') arranged oppositely to each other. The cover element (7) comprises at least a first wall (14) serving as a top wall of the receptacle (1) when the cover element (7) covers the base body (5) and a second wall (15) arranged orthogonally to the first wall (14). The second wall (15) overlaps at least partially one of the front wall (25), the rear wall (11) and the side walls (27, 27') when the cover element (7) covers the base body (5), so that a first edge of the second wall (15) arranged distantly from the first wall (14) faces the outer surface (25a) of the respective wall (25) of the base body. According to the present invention, the second wall (15) of the cover element (7) comprises a zone at least in the area of the first edge which is composed of a flexible material, the zone in particular being a soft lip (23) which is fixed to a portion of the second wall (15) composed of a rigid material.