Axis Straw Spout Venting for Pressure-Release Leak Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid container spouts often leak unexpectedly when transitioning from a closed to an open position due to pressure changes, such as temperature variations, leading to unintended fluid release.
Innovation Solution
A fluid container cover with a spout that includes a flexible tube and an air venting component with a nub and air vent holes, allowing air to enter and pressure to be released when the spout is opened, preventing fluid leakage by deflecting the nub with a curved distal end and allowing radial rotation without twisting, ensuring the spout can move in multiple planes for improved usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional spout design is used that seals tightly when closed, then fluid leakage is prevented during normal operation, but pressure buildup from temperature changes causes unexpected fluid release when the spout is opened
Solution Approach 1:
The spout assembly is segmented into multiple functional components: a spout body, a flexible tube for fluid passage, and a separate air venting component with air vent holes. This segmentation allows independent optimization of sealing and pressure relief functions, enabling the spout to maintain reliable fluid sealing while providing a dedicated pathway for pressure equalization to prevent unexpected fluid release
Solution Approach 2:
The air venting component acts as an intermediary element between the sealed fluid pathway and the external environment. It provides a controlled interface for pressure equalization through air vent holes, mediating the pressure differential that would otherwise cause unexpected fluid release when the spout is opened, while maintaining the integrity of the fluid seal
2Ease of manufacture
If the spout is designed to be fixed in one position when open, then manufacturing is simplified, but user convenience and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spout is designed with rotational freedom around its longitudinal axis, transitioning from a fixed static position to a dynamic multi-position configuration. This dynamic capability allows the spout to adapt to different user needs and drinking angles while maintaining a relatively simple assembly structure through the use of a flexible tube and minimal constraining features
Solution Approach 2:
The spout's operational parameters are changed from a fixed angular position to a variable rotational position. The spout can rotate within a defined range (e.g., 0 to 360 degrees) while maintaining its functional integrity, allowing users to adjust the spout orientation according to convenience without complicating the overall assembly design
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 solution effectively prevents fluid leakage during pressure changes and allows for convenient, adjustable access to the spout, enhancing user experience by maintaining a secure seal and enabling the spout to move freely in multiple positions.
Implementation Method 1
When the spout is in the first closed position, the flexible tube is deformed by the curved, distal end of the spout preventing flow through the spout
Implementation Method 2
When the spout is actuated from the first closed position to the second open position, the curved, distal end of the spout deflects the nub of the air venting component allowing passage of air with the fluid container
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid container cover includes a cap having an outer and an inner surface. The inner surface is capable of being coupled to the fluid container. A spout includes a drinking portion, an actuation portion and a curved, distal end. The spout is capable of being actuated from a first closed position to a second open position by an external force. A flexible tube is coupled inside of the spout, and has a first end and a second end. An air venting component has a nub and a plurality of air vent holes. When the spout is in the first closed position, the flexible tube is deformed preventing flow through the spout. When the spout is actuated from the first closed position to the second open position, the curved, distal end of the spout deflects the nub allowing passage of air with the fluid container.