Twist-Lock Storage Container With Polygonal Wall

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional paint cans are difficult to open and close, requiring tools for lid removal and reattachment, which complicates handling and storage.

Innovation Solution

A storage container design featuring a twist-and-lock mechanism with a polygonal outer wall and a circular inner wall, allowing for easy attachment and detachment of the lid without tools, along with a pour spout and drip edge for efficient material access and handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a conventional metal can with a circular shape and metal removable lid is used, then the container can be manufactured with standard materials and processes, but the lid removal and reattachment requires tools and becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing easeVSAvoidlid removal ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The container body is divided into two portions: a first portion for holding coating material and a second portion for attaching the lid. The gap between these portions allows the lid to be attached to the second portion rather than requiring tool-based removal from a traditional single-piece design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The outer wall is made polygonal in shape while the inner wall is circular. This asymmetric design creates a unique attachment interface that eliminates the need for tools to remove or reseat the lid, as the polygonal outer wall provides built-in engagement features with the lid.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Ease of operation

If a prying tool or screwdriver is used to remove the lid, then the lid can be removed from conventional cans, but the task becomes more difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelid removal easeVSAvoidlid removal time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The lid attachment mechanism is designed to be self-servicing through the twist-and-lock system. The protrusions on the lid engage with channels in the container body, allowing the lid to be attached and detached by simple twisting motions without requiring external tools or complex operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If a hammer or mallet is used to reseat opposed mating grooves, then the lid can be reattached to conventional cans, but the process becomes complex and potentially damaging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelid reattachment easeVSAvoidreattachment process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The traditional mechanical system of opposed mating grooves requiring hammer or mallet is replaced with a twist-and-lock mechanism. The protrusions engage with channels through rotational movement, substituting the need for high-impact mechanical reseating with a controlled twisting action that is easier and safer to perform.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If a polygonal outer wall with circular inner wall design is used, then the lid can be easily attached and detached without tools, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelid attachment easeVSAvoidmanufacturing ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

5Adaptability or versatility

If conventional metal cans are used, then the container provides basic storage functionality, but handling and storage convenience is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling convenienceVSAvoidstorage convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The container design integrates multiple functions: the gap between portions provides attachment points for handles or carrying mechanisms, the polygonal outer wall enables tool-free lid operation, and the overall structure facilitates both storage and handling operations, making the container adaptable to various use scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250002231A1Storage container

Publication Date: 2025.01.02 SWIMC LLC

AI summary

Provided is a storage container for storing a material, the storage container including a lid and a container body having a first portion for holding the material and a second portion to which the lid is configured to be attached. The second portion is spaced from the first portion in a longitudinal direction by a collar defining a gap between the first and second portions. The first portion has a wall with a closed bottom portion defining a cavity for the material and the second portion has a wall defining an opening for accessing the cavity.