Beverage Container Cap with Tactile Open-Position Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in determining the correct rotation of a beverage container cap to open it for drinking, especially in low-light conditions or while driving, and there is a risk of the cap detaching and causing spills due to over-rotation.
Innovation Solution
A beverage container design featuring a tactile indicator that provides a distinct rotational resistance change to signal the properly open position, ensuring the cap remains securely attached and preventing unintended rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual markings are provided on the cap and collar to indicate proper rotation alignment, then the user can determine the correct opening position, but the indication is difficult to see in low light and causes distraction while driving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the visual optical indication system with a tactile mechanical feedback system. A cam mechanism converts the rotational position of the cap into tactile feedback through a ball bearing that rises or falls based on cam profile, allowing users to detect proper opening position through touch rather than sight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a ball bearing as an intermediary element between the cam mechanism and the user's finger. The ball bearing translates the cam's rotational position into a tactile signal that the user can feel, serving as a mediator that communicates cap position without requiring visual inspection.
2Ease of operation
If the cap is designed to allow easy rotation for opening, then the user can quickly access the beverage, but the cap may unexpectedly detach and cause spills
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic locking mechanism where the cam profile changes its interaction with the ball bearing based on rotational position. During normal operation, the cap can rotate freely, but at the proper opening position, the cam profile creates a mechanical stop that prevents further rotation and potential detachment, providing context-dependent stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by designing the cam profile to anticipate and prevent over-rotation before it can cause detachment. The mechanical feedback system signals the user to stop rotation before the cap can detach, and the cam profile itself creates a physical barrier against unintended rotation that could lead to spills.
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage container with a tactile indication of a properly open position for drinking. The beverage container includes a base, a collar, and a cap having an annular seal gasket for opening and closing the container for pouring/drinking. The improvement is a collar stop located on the collar, together with a pair of seal stops extending from the seal gasket and forming a notch therebetween. Rotation of the cap to open the container becomes more difficult as the collar stop interferes with the leading one of the seal stops. Continued rotation to seat the collar stop in the notch provides a tactile indication that the cap has rotated to the properly open position and further rotation may be avoided.