Weatherproof Trunk Seal and Latch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage trunks lack durability, efficient transport mechanisms, and adequate weatherproofing, leading to issues with storing items outdoors during inclement weather.
Innovation Solution
A durable storage trunk designed with weatherproof components, including a container, lid, latch, and seal, that facilitates easy transport and stacking, ensuring items remain dry and secure outdoors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If storage trunks are designed with basic components, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but weatherproofing capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible waterproof seals and coatings that form protective barriers between the storage trunk interior and exterior environments. These flexible membranes and thin film layers prevent moisture and weather elements from penetrating the trunk structure, providing reliable weatherproofing without requiring complex rigid protective systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage trunk utilizes composite material construction combining weather-resistant materials such as treated woods, synthetic composites, or coated metals for the trunk body, paired with waterproof sealants and protective finishes. This composite approach enhances weatherproofing capability while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through established material combinations.
2Strength
If storage trunks are designed for durability, then strength is improved, but ease of transport deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage trunk into separable components including removable lids, detachable handles, and modular structural elements. This segmentation allows the trunk to be disassembled for easier transport while maintaining structural integrity and durability when assembled for storage use.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage trunk incorporates dynamic features such as movable handles, adjustable components, and flexible sealing mechanisms that adapt between transport and storage states. These dynamic elements enable the trunk to transition smoothly between durable fixed configuration for storage and mobile reconfigured state for transport.
3Productivity
If storage trunks are designed for stacking efficiency, then space utilization is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric design features such as non-uniform base dimensions, offset handling mechanisms, and varied lid configurations that enable efficient stacking patterns. These asymmetric characteristics allow trunks to nest or stack in optimized configurations without requiring complex interlocking mechanisms, maintaining structural simplicity while improving space utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage trunk including a container, a lid, a latch and a seal is provided. The container can include an upper surface, a plurality of sidewalls, and a bottom surface. The lid can include a top section and a lip disposed adjacent to the top section. The lip can include a latch receiving section having a lock receiving section. The lid can be removably secured to the container. The latch can be connected to the container. The seal can be disposed adjacent to the lip of the lid. In certain embodiments, the storage trunk can include a tie-down element, a handle, and/or a wheel.