Unitary Lock Ring for Drum Lid with Living Hinge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing split ring clamps for securing lids on drum containers are prone to stress on the lever pivot joint and have a high profile, which complicates handling and increases the risk of leakage during drop tests, especially when used with plastic drums and lids.
Innovation Solution
A unitary, one-piece lock ring with a ring-shaped body and a pivotable lever connected via a living hinge, formed from a flexible and resilient plastic material, which reduces stress on the pivot joint and offers a lower profile by integrating the body, lever, and clamping pin as a single molded unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional split ring clamp with separate lever and pivot joint is used, then the clamping function is achieved, but stress concentrates on the pivot joint causing potential failure during drop tests
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lever and ring body into a single unitary structure formed from one piece of resilient material. The lever is an integral extension of the ring body, eliminating the separate pivot joint that was the source of stress concentration and potential failure during drop tests. This integration maintains the clamping function while removing the weak point.
2Reliability
If a unitary one-piece lock ring is used, then stress on the pivot joint is reduced, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the elastic modulus and resilience parameters of plastic material to enable the unitary structure to function. The resilient nature of the plastic allows the lever to flex and apply clamping force without requiring a separate pivot joint, making the one-piece construction manufacturable through standard plastic molding processes.
3Ease of operation
If a high profile clamp structure is used, then the clamping mechanism is simpler, but handling becomes more difficult and leakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The unitary lever design allows for optimized positioning and movement characteristics. The lever can be designed with appropriate length and curvature to provide mechanical advantage while maintaining a low profile. The resilient material allows dynamic flexing during operation, enabling effective clamping with a compact structure that does not interfere with handling or create leakage risks.
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 unitary lock ring eliminates the need for sub-assembly, reduces stress on the lever pivot joint, and improves handling by distributing forces across multiple load-bearing elements, enhancing the security and durability of the lid-container seal while meeting international standards for drop tests.
Implementation Method 1
The lever is pivotable between a closed position and an open position... the lever is connected via a living hinge to the body
Implementation Method 2
formed from a flexible and resilient plastic material, which reduces stress on the pivot joint
Data Source
AI summary
A lock ring for securing a lid to a container has a ring shaped body with a first end and a second end. A clamping pin is exposed near the first end and a lever is connected near the second end and has a hook thereon configured to engage the clamping pin. The lever is pivotable between a closed position and an open position. The hook is configured to selectively engage the clamping pin and draw the first and second ends to one another with the lever moved to the closed position and capable of disengaging the clamping pin the lever in the open position. The body, lever, and lock pin are integrally formed of a one-piece unitary structure and the lever is connected via a living hinge to the body.