Storage Box Lid Retention via Segmented Flange Interlock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage boxes lack a secure closure mechanism that prevents the lid from being dislodged when the box is flexed or dropped, leading to inadequate protection and stacking issues.
Innovation Solution
A storage box design featuring a horizontal and vertical flange system with rib openings and engagement channels, along with a lid structure that includes ribs and surround flanges, interlocks with the box opening to prevent lid disengagement and facilitates stacking through boss indentations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple removable lid is used to close the box, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates as the lid can be dislodged by flexing the box
Solution Approach 1:
The lid retention system is segmented into multiple independent engagement points: front engagement between the front wall of the lid and front flange of the box, rear engagement between the rear wall of the lid and rear flange of the box, and side engagement through vertical flanges. This segmentation ensures that flexing at one location does not compromise overall lid retention, as other engagement points maintain the connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from simple horizontal lid placement to multi-dimensional engagement by adding vertical flanges that extend upward from the horizontal flanges. These vertical flanges create engagement in the vertical dimension, preventing lid dislodgement through flexing while maintaining ease of operation through the snap-fit mechanism.
2Reliability
If multiple fasteners are used to secure the lid, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lid and box structures are designed with self-engaging features where the front wall of the lid automatically engages with the front flange, and the rear wall of the lid automatically engages with the rear flange when the lid is placed on the box. The vertical flanges similarly self-engage with corresponding features on the box, eliminating the need for separate fasteners while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the structural elements of the lid and box into an integrated engagement system where the flanges and vertical walls serve dual purposes: providing structural support and creating interlocking engagement points. This merging eliminates the need for separate fastening components.
3Reliability
If the box structure is reinforced to prevent flexing, then reliability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than uniformly reinforcing the entire box structure, the invention provides localized rigidity only where needed for lid retention: horizontal flanges at the front and rear openings, and vertical flanges at the sides. This localized reinforcement maintains overall box flexibility for stacking while preventing flexing at critical engagement points.
Solution Approach 2:
The box and lid are constructed from molded plastic material that provides inherent strength-to-weight ratio advantages over metal alternatives. The molded structure allows for integrated flange and rib formations that provide structural reinforcement without adding significant weight.
4Reliability
If a secure interlocked lid design is used, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is designed with front and rear walls that preliminarily engage with the front and rear flanges of the box before final placement. This preliminary engagement guides the lid into proper alignment and creates initial retention, allowing for easy installation while ensuring secure attachment. The engagement features are pre-configured to work together during the placement action.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage box for property storage having an open box side surrounded by an upper edge and closed by a lid engaged to the box edges to prevent the box from disengaging from the lid. The lid surroundingly engaging the upper edge of the box along a horizontal box flange around the perimeter of the open box side. A vertical box flange on three sides of the horizontal box flange surrounding the upper edge. A lid on the storage box. The lid having a box edge rail engagement for surroundingly and removably engaging the vertical box flange of the storage box.