Elastically Stretchable Flange Seal for Cleanable Storage Unit Lids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Storage units often lack suitable lids for sealing, leading to issues with air-tightness, lid brittleness, and difficult cleaning due to their design, particularly in restaurant settings where lids may fracture and concealed flanges hinder cleaning processes.
Innovation Solution
An elastically stretchable flange system that cooperates with the rim of storage units, allowing for a sealable lid with a movable flange that can be easily cleaned and adapted to various sizes and shapes, using silicone rubber for durability and transparency for visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional lid with a concealed flange design is used, then the lid can be manufactured with simple structure, but the flange becomes difficult to clean due to its enclosed design
Solution Approach 1:
The flange is designed to be movable between a first position (engaging the lip) and a second position (out-turned with inner surface facing outwardly). This dynamic configuration allows the flange to be accessed from the exterior when in the out-turned position, enabling easy cleaning while maintaining the simple concealed design when engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange is divided into multiple portions including a first flange portion extending orthogonally from the membrane and a second flange portion extending parallel and inwardly. This segmentation allows different portions to perform different functions: sealing when engaged and accessibility when out-turned.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional lid materials are used, then the lid can be manufactured easily, but the lid becomes brittle and may fracture during normal use or washing
Solution Approach 1:
The lid membrane is made from elastically stretchable material such as silicone rubber, changing the material parameters from traditional rigid plastics to flexible, durable materials that resist brittleness and fracture while maintaining ease of manufacture through molding processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid combines elastically stretchable membrane material with flange structures, creating a composite system that leverages the durability and flexibility of elastomeric materials while maintaining structural integrity through the flange design.
3Ease of manufacture
If thin plastic film or aluminium sheet is used to enclose the storage unit, then the material is easy to obtain and apply, but it fails to create a sufficient air-tight seal and is non-reusable
Solution Approach 1:
The lid uses an elastically stretchable membrane that functions as a flexible shell, providing both the ease of application similar to thin films and the durability, reusability, and air-tight sealing capability of a structured lid with proper flange engagement.
4Reliability
If the flange is designed to be tightly enclosed for sealing, then the seal effectiveness is improved, but the cleaning of the flange becomes extremely difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The flange's ability to move between engaged and out-turned positions allows it to maintain tight sealing when engaged while providing exterior accessibility when out-turned for cleaning purposes, resolving the contradiction between seal effectiveness and cleaning ease.
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 provides a reliable air-tight seal, enhances cleaning accessibility, and accommodates different storage unit sizes and shapes, while being durable and environmentally friendly.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically stretchable flange cooperable with a lip provided on a rim of the storage unit, wherein the flange is elastically urged to seal against the lip of the storage unit
Implementation Method 2
an elastically stretchable membrane having a perimeter including the elastically stretchable flange, wherein the elastically stretchable membrane encloses an open face of the storage unit
Data Source
AI summary
A structure for substantially sealing a storage unit, wherein the structure includes an elastically stretchable flange cooperable with a lip provided on a rim of the storage unit, wherein the flange is elastically urged to seal against the lip of the storage unit.