Swivel Lid Closure Device with Variable Radius Locking Hook

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locking devices for containers with lids are not sufficiently childproof and can be easily opened by children, while being difficult for adults to open in a straightforward manner.

Innovation Solution

A locking device with a locking hook that changes pivot radius during unlocking, requiring a specific sequence of horizontal and vertical movements to open, integrated into a frame and lid design that includes actuating elements and reinforcing ribs, preventing accidental opening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a closure device with a dispensing unit is integrated into the container, then the functionality is improved by enabling portion dispensing, but the device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closure device integrates multiple functions (closing, dispensing, dosing) into a single unit. The dispensing unit is combined with the closure device, and the dosing element is integrated into the closure device, eliminating the need for separate dispensing and dosing devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The closure device serves multiple purposes: it seals the container, enables portion dispensing through the dispensing unit, and provides dosing control through the integrated dosing element. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require separate devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the closure device allows easy opening and closing operations, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability may worsen due to potential improper closure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of opening and closingVSAvoidproper closure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of relying on the user to correctly close the cap, the design ensures that proper closure is achieved through the structural interaction between the cap and closure device. The cap engages with the closure device in a way that automatically ensures proper sealing when closed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The closure device structure itself ensures proper closure through its design features. The cap and closure device have complementary geometries that guide proper engagement, and the dosing element is positioned to automatically interact with the dispensing unit when the cap is closed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If the dosing element is integrated into the closure device, then the device complexity is reduced by eliminating separate components, but the ease of manufacture worsens due to integration requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of componentsVSAvoidintegration requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

While the dosing element is integrated into the closure device, the closure device itself is segmented into distinct functional components (cap, closure device body, dosing element, dispensing unit) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This allows for specialized manufacturing of each component while achieving integration in the final product.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3504131B1Closing device and container with such a closing device
Publication Date: 2022.10.05 HENKEL KGAA
  • EP3504131B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3504131B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3504131B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a closing device with a frame (10) and a swivel lid (30). It comprises at least first locking means (70) for holding the lid (30) in the closed position. In the locked state, a latching hook (71) reaches behind a locking surface (74) of a latching tongue (72), and can be swiveled about a swivel axis (76). The latching hook (71) can further be moved from a rest position into an unlocking position. A distance between the swivel axis (76) and an outer edge (71a) of the latching hook (71) is larger than a distance between the swivel axis and the locking surface (74) in the rest position of the latching hook (71), and smaller than the distance between the swivel axis (76) and the locking surface in the unlocked position of the latching hook (71). The invention also relates to a container with such a closing device.