Storage Box Cover with Flexible Edge for Uneven Ground Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing receptacles with removable lids that function as dustpans struggle to effectively collect sweepings from uneven ground surfaces due to rigid materials that do not support complete collection of small particles.
Innovation Solution
A receptacle design featuring a base body with a removable cover element, where the cover element has a flexible edge zone and a gripping area on the rear wall, allowing the cover to adapt to uneven surfaces and providing a secure grip for handling, with a handle for ergonomic use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the cover element is made of rigid material, then the structural strength is improved, but the ability to collect sweepings from uneven ground deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cover element incorporates a flexible edge zone made of elastomeric material that can deform and adapt to uneven ground surfaces, while the main body remains rigid for structural strength. This flexible edge zone allows the cover to conform to irregular surfaces and effectively collect sweepings without spilling.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover element is constructed as a composite structure combining rigid material for the main body and flexible elastomeric material for the edge zone. This composite design integrates both structural strength and adaptability to uneven ground, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cover element is made of flexible material, then the ability to collect sweepings from uneven ground is improved, but the structural strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible edge zone is designed as a thin elastomeric strip that provides adaptability without compromising the overall structural integrity. The flexibility is localized to where it is needed for ground adaptation, while the main body maintains its rigid structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite construction combines rigid and flexible materials in a way that the flexible edge zone enhances adaptability while the rigid main body provides structural strength, preventing the structure from becoming too weak.
3Ease of operation
If the gripping area protrudes from the rear wall, then the ease of handling is improved, but the compactness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping area is designed with a recessed configuration that provides ergonomic finger placement for easy handling. The recess creates localized grip points without adding overall volume, as the gripping area is formed by removing material rather than adding protrusions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of protruding gripping surfaces that add volume, the design uses recessed gripping areas that are formed by indentations or cavities in the rear wall. This inverted approach provides the same handling advantage while maintaining or reducing the overall volume of the receptacle.
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 complete collection of sweepings from uneven grounds and improves handling by allowing the user to move the receptacle easily while preventing the loss of small particles, enhancing the usability and efficiency of cleaning tasks.
Implementation Method 1
a zone at least in the area of the first edge which is composed of a flexible material
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.