Beverage Closure Venting for Pressure-Equalized One-Hand Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lids for liquid storage vessels do not effectively manage pressure buildup, leading to potential spills or spraying of liquids when opening a container, especially with hot contents like coffee, as they lack a reliable venting mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A beverage container closure with a selectively openable stopper assembly and venting mechanism that includes a flexible stopper seal and a vent seal, which are actuated by a user to prevent liquid or gas from spraying when opening the lid, allowing pressure equalization before opening the drinking opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a solid unitary lid without openings is used, then the contents are well contained and insulated, but the user cannot access the contents without removing the lid entirely
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is segmented into a main body and a movable stopper assembly that can be independently actuated. The stopper assembly includes a stopper and a dust cover that can be selectively opened without removing the entire lid, allowing convenient access while maintaining containment when closed
2Ease of operation
If a lid with unobstructed apertures is used, then the user can easily access the contents, but the contents may spill if the vessel is inadvertently tipped or dropped
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper assembly is designed to be movable between closed and open positions. When closed, it prevents spills; when open, it allows access. The dynamic positioning capability resolves the contradiction between spill prevention and access convenience
3Ease of operation
If a lid with selective aperture opening mechanism is used, then the user can control access and maintain insulation, but pressure buildup may cause liquid or gas to spray when opening, especially with hot contents
Solution Approach 1:
The vent seal is designed to open before the stopper seal when the stopper assembly is actuated. This preliminary opening of the vent pathway allows pressure to equalize before the liquid pathway opens, preventing spray when hot contents are accessed
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a venting mechanism is added to prevent spray, then liquid spraying is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vent seal and stopper seal are integrated into a single stopper assembly that is actuated by one motion. The cam mechanism combines the opening actions of both seals, allowing pressure venting to occur as part of the normal opening sequence without requiring separate controls or complex mechanisms
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
Prevents the spraying of liquids or gases when opening the container, ensuring a safe and spill-free experience by allowing pressure equalization through the venting mechanism, maintaining a fluid-tight seal and allowing easy one-handed operation.
Implementation Method 1
allowing pressure equalization before opening the drinking opening
Implementation Method 2
a flexible stopper seal and a vent seal
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage container closure that is adapted for closing an open end of a beverage container. The lid is selectively couplable to the beverage container and includes a selectively openable stopper that when closed, creates a fluid-tight seal between the beverage container and the environment. The stopper may be selectively opened by a user pressing a button disposed on a side of the beverage container closure. The stopper is subsequently automatically closed when the user releases the button. Thus, the user may open and close the beverage container closure using a single hand without the need to remove the beverage container closure from the beverage container. The beverage container closure includes a venting mechanism configured to vent the beverage container before the stopper is opened when the user depresses the button, thereby allowing pressure in the beverage container to equalize before the stopper is opened.