Beverage Container Closure with Integrated Spill-Free Drinking Valve

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Solution Overview

Problem

Beverage containers with complex structures and multiple parts are difficult to produce, expensive, and hard to clean, with lids that require removal for drinking, leading to spillage and handling issues.

Innovation Solution

A closure system for beverage containers featuring a simple design with few parts, including an insert element with a continuous closure opening and a closure body with outlet openings, allowing liquid passage without complete removal, and a handle for easy operation, along with flexible hooks for secure attachment and easy cleaning access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the lid is designed to open a passage for liquid without complete removal, then spillage is avoided and handling is improved, but the structure becomes complex with multiple parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling easeVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the lid body and the liquid passage mechanism into a single integrated component. The lid includes an integrated valve structure that opens and closes liquid passages without requiring separate moving parts or complex assemblies. This unified design achieves spill-free drinking while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lid is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it seals the container opening, provides a drinking interface, and controls liquid flow through an integrated valve mechanism. The raised edge serves both as a drinking surface and as a liquid collection channel, eliminating the need for separate components for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the beverage container has a raised edge for drinking and spill collection, then drinking ease and spill recovery are improved, but the number of parts and production complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrinking easeVSAvoidproduction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The raised drinking edge and spill collection channel are integrated into a single continuous structure formed as one piece with the lid body. This unified geometry is manufactured in a single molding operation, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps or additional parts while providing both drinking and spill recovery functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the closure has multiple individual parts for complex functionality, then user safety and liquid control are improved, but cleaning access becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser safetyVSAvoidcleaning ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The closure components are designed as integrated units with smooth, continuous surfaces that eliminate crevices and hard-to-reach areas. The valve mechanism and sealing elements are incorporated into the lid body without requiring disassembly for cleaning, allowing the entire closure to be washed as a single piece while maintaining safety functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2393401B1Closure for a beverage container
Publication Date: 2015.03.25 PI-DESIGN AG
  • EP2393401B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2393401B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2393401B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

A closure for a beverage container is disclosed. Said closure comprises an inserted element (2) and a closing member (3) which can be inserted into a mouth of the inserted element (2). A first engaging structure (22) mounted on the internal face of the inserted element (2) can be connected to a second engaging structure (36) arranged on the external face of the closing member (3). The inserted element (2) further has a funnel section (25) above the first engaging structure (22). The closing member (3) has a closed top surface (32), a handle element (31), and an apron (35) with outlets (33). The engaging structures (22, 36) are designed such that the closing member (3) can be moved relative to the inserted element in a vertical direction between a first position in which the closing member (3) seals the mouth and a second position in which the outlets (33) open passages for a liquid.