Storage Box Push-Closure Lid with Dual Cog-Wheel Retractable Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sealed storage boxes suffer from instability and inefficiency in lid operation due to a single axial connection point, leading to twists, erratic motion, wear, noise, and inaccurate movement, failing to meet domestic kitchen standards for smooth operation.

Innovation Solution

A redesigned storage box with a dual lever mechanism, comprising a bottom cog-wheel and top cog-wheel connected by lever bodies, which allows for smooth and stable lid operation through a retractable mechanism similar to a ballpoint pen mechanism, ensuring consistent sealing and opening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional latch mechanism is used for sealing the storage box, then the structure is simple, but the sealing reliability and ease of operation are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a retractable lid mechanism that transitions between locked and unlocked states. The spring-loaded system dynamically adjusts the seal pressure and locking engagement based on the closed position, providing adaptive sealing force that maintains reliability without requiring complex manual adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The self-service principle is embodied in the automatic locking mechanism where the lid's closing motion itself triggers the engagement of the locking system. The spring automatically engages the latch when the lid is closed, and the seal is compressed into place without requiring separate manual sealing actions, thereby simplifying operation while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a secure seal mechanism is implemented, then the freshness maintenance is improved, but the ease of opening and closing is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefreshness maintenanceVSAvoidease of opening and closing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic retractable mechanism allows the seal to be firmly engaged during storage (maintaining freshness) while enabling quick release when opening is needed. The spring-loaded system provides strong holding force for sealing integrity but can be easily disengaged by applying minimal force to the latch release, thus maintaining both freshness and operational ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The preliminary action principle is applied through the pre-positioned latch and spring system that is ready to engage automatically when the lid is closed. The sealing mechanism is prepared in advance to snap into place, ensuring immediate secure sealing upon closure without requiring additional manual steps, thereby maintaining freshness while keeping the operation simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If a simple lid structure is used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the sealing effectiveness and user experience are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoiduser experience
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic retractable lid mechanism adds minimal structural complexity while significantly enhancing user experience. The spring-loaded system and latch mechanism are straightforward components that can be manufactured using conventional processes, yet they provide smooth operation, secure sealing, and easy opening/closing that greatly improve usability compared to simple fixed-lid designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The self-service locking and sealing mechanism reduces the need for complex user interactions. The automatic engagement of the latch and seal upon closing minimizes the steps required from the user, improving ease of operation without requiring sophisticated manufacturing. The system serves itself by using the closing motion to trigger the sealing action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If a retractable mechanism similar to ballpoint pen mechanism is implemented, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of opening and closingVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retractable mechanism uses a dynamic spring-loaded system that provides smooth, controlled movement of the lid and seal. The spring ensures consistent force throughout the retraction and engagement motion, making operation easy and predictable. The mechanical components are designed to move along predefined paths, reducing the need for complex control systems while maintaining user-friendly operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The retractable mechanism is self-actuating through the spring force that automatically drives the lid into the retracted position and engages the latch. The system uses the user's initial input force and the stored spring energy to complete the sealing action without requiring additional manual intervention, thereby simplifying the operational sequence despite the presence of the retractable mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 dual lever mechanism provides a stable and efficient lid operation, reducing wear, noise, and improving sealing consistency, meeting domestic kitchen standards for smooth and reliable performance.

Implementation Method 1

The lid (30) includes a bottom part (31), a top part (32), a snap body (33), a spring (34)... The bottom part (31) includes an indentation at the base (311) that is adapted to contain the spring (34)... providing a reliable and user-friendly way to seal and open the storage box, maintaining the freshness of contents by ensuring a tight seal when closed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a lid (30) that is designed to cover and seal the top opening of the container and a circular seal (40)... a bottom cog-wheel (35), two lever bodies (36), a top cog-wheel (37) and a push button (38)... utilizing a retractable mechanism similar to a ballpoint pen mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP4378851B1A sealed storage box with push closure
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 PERETZ BEN-ASHER MICHAEL
  • EP4378851B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4378851B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4378851B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A storage box that includes a container, a lid (30) and a circular seal (40). The lid includes a bottom part (31), a top part (32), a bottom cog-wheel part (35) with sloping teeth, a spring (34), a snap part (33) with stopping members, two lever bodies (36), a top cog-wheel (37) with sloping pushing teeth, and a push button handle (38). The bottom part includes an indent (311) for containing the spring and oriented holes for the snap part snaps. The top part includes the top button handle, the top cog-wheel part, the two lever bodies, and the bottom cog-wheel. The spring is positioned inside the indentation, the top part is assembled on the bottom part, the bottom cog-wheel is connected to the top cog-wheel in a way that enables a rotational movement between them and disables a relative vertical movement. The lid is in a retracted close position or in an extended open position.