Liquid container with tactile temperature and volume sensing buttons

Abstract

We propose a container that allows for the sensing of liquid temperature and remaining volume using methods other than sight. This enables instant and easy sensing of the liquid temperature and volume within the container through touch. [Solution] The container is equipped with a sensing button to allow the user to check the temperature and remaining amount of liquid inside the container through touch. The sensing button has thermal conductivity that is unaffected by the container's insulation and heat retention properties, and has a head that contacts the tactile part, such as fingers, on the container wall, and legs inside the container wall.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid container with a tactile temperature and remaining amount sensing button.

Background Art

[0002] Existing liquid containers typified by beverage applications with heat retention, such as cups, mug cups, thermos flasks, and bottles, often rely on vision to detect the remaining amount of liquid. When vision is unavailable, it is difficult to immediately and conveniently sense the temperature and remaining amount of the liquid.

[0003] For this reason, for example, in the case of visually impaired persons, the temperature of the contents cannot be known due to the heat retention and heat insulation properties of the container, hot beverages may be accidentally drunk and cause burns, or an appropriate amount may not be grasped and spilled.

[0004] Even for healthy people, it may be difficult to know the temperature and remaining amount in the dark. Furthermore, for infants, the elderly, and those with dementia, relying solely on vision for temperature and remaining amount judgment is not reassuring, and having multiple perception methods can provide a sense of safety.

[0005] To meet these requirements, methods for sensing the temperature and remaining amount of the liquid in the container using methods other than vision have already been proposed. Examples are given below.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006] Japanese Patent No. 7503022 provides a portable device, program, and method that simulate the movement of the liquid in the container and transmit it to the user as a tactile sensation. It is solved by advanced specialized technology assuming environments such as simulation and virtual reality. On the other hand, the high cost due to the use of precision devices such as memory, processors, and actuators, the pursuit of investment effects commensurate with it, and the particularity of the application are inevitable.

Non-Patent Documents

[0007] A scale that announces volume by voice: GRUS Voice Cooking Scale (Featured on page 17 of the 2024 Product Catalog for the Visually Impaired, published by the Japan Federation of Organizations for the Visually Impaired) When you place the item you want to weigh on the top plate, the weight will be announced aloud. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] Existing technologies, including those exemplified, can indeed sense temperature and remaining contents within a container using senses other than sight, such as hearing and touch. However, these devices and mechanisms are complex and require specialized equipment.

[0009] If there were a container that could be used immediately and easily, it could be expected to be used in a wide range of places, not only by the visually impaired, infants, and the elderly, but also in factories, shops, and other establishments. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To achieve this, we provide a container equipped with a sensory button that allows users to check the liquid's temperature and remaining volume not visually, but tactilely.

[0011] The sensing button has thermal conductivity that is unaffected by the container's insulation and heat retention properties. It has a head that contacts tactile parts such as fingers on the container wall, and legs inside the container wall. Depending on the application, the sensing button is installed in one or more locations where sensing is required.

[0012] If the container is placed at any position and angle, the legs will come into direct or indirect contact with the liquid. At this time, the liquid temperature will be transmitted to the head located outside the container.

[0013] The legs, which do not come into contact with the liquid, transmit the temperature of the container's interior to the head, indicating that there is no liquid at that level. Alternatively, they can indicate, by touch, that the interior space and the liquid are at the same temperature.

[0014] The container wall and the sensing button are sealed tightly to prevent liquid from leaking out of the container.

[0015] The head may be designed so that the tactile sensitivity, temperature level, and remaining amount can be specified by the shape, material, surface texture, and installation position so that it can be distinguished by touch.

Advantages of the Invention

[0016] The container of the present invention can immediately and easily sense the temperature and remaining amount of the liquid only by touch.

[0017] Since neither a power source nor tools other than the container are required, the usage method and maintenance are simple, and it can be used immediately anywhere. In addition, it can be installed in containers of any shape and can be manufactured at a low cost. It can also be retrofitted by adding a sensing button to an already in-use container.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an overall view of a liquid container as an example of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement and function of the sensing button.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] By arranging the sensing button on the outer wall, a container that can immediately and easily transmit the temperature and volume of the liquid only by touch is realized.

Examples

[0020] Figure 1 shows an example of a coffee cup as the liquid container of the present invention. The outer wall (2) has a plurality of sensing buttons (3).

[0021] The sensing button (3) has thermal conductivity and can sense the temperature and remaining amount of the liquid in the container by touching it with a finger.

[0022] As shown in Figure 1, the sensing button (3) is arranged at a position that can be easily confirmed with the thumb and is curved in accordance with the movable range of the thumb. This curve allows the button to be confirmed with a natural movement.

[0023] Therefore, it is possible to provide a container that can assist in the judgment of visually impaired people, the elderly, infants, people with dementia, etc.

Industrial Applicability

[0024] Since it is a container that utilizes the sense of touch and can immediately convey the volume and temperature of the liquid to the user, there are many industrial applications.

[0025] For example, it can be applied to liquid containers used in industrial production or commercial activities where visual judgment is not possible.

Explanation of Symbols

[0026] (1) Container (2) Outer wall (3) Sensing button Head Foot Liquid

Claims

[Claim 1] A liquid container characterized by having one or more sensing buttons that allow the temperature and remaining amount of liquid to be sensed by touch.

Images