Beverage container closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lids for liquid storage vessels either lack spill prevention mechanisms or have always-open apertures, leading to potential spills when the vessel is tipped or dropped, and do not allow for convenient one-handed operation.
Innovation Solution
A beverage container closure with a selectively openable stopper assembly and air vent, featuring a telescoping design, cam followers, and a biasing mechanism that allows for one-handed operation and automatic resealing, along with a dust cover for protection when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lid includes always-open apertures for liquid exit, then ease of operation is improved, but spill prevention deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lid transitions from static always-open apertures to dynamic apertures that can selectively open and close. The stopper assembly includes a movable stopper with aperture that can be positioned to either block or open the liquid exit path, allowing the system to adapt between drinking mode and spill prevention mode.
2Reliability
If the lid includes a solid unitary construction without openings, then spill prevention is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is segmented into multiple functional components: a main body, a stopper assembly, and a dust cover. The stopper assembly can be independently moved to control liquid flow, while the dust cover provides additional protection. This segmentation allows the lid to maintain spill prevention while enabling convenient operation through the movable stopper mechanism.
3Reliability
If the lid includes selectively openable apertures, then spill prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper assembly combines multiple functions into a single component: it acts as both the closure for the liquid reservoir and the control mechanism for the aperture. The biasing member integrates the sealing function and the opening force into one system, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying the overall structure despite the added functionality.
4Ease of operation
If the lid includes a biasing mechanism for automatic resealing, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member provides automatic resealing functionality by exerting continuous force to keep the stopper in the closed position. When the user releases the stopper after drinking, the biasing mechanism automatically returns it to the sealing position without requiring additional user action, making the lid self-service and improving ease of operation.
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 provides a spill-preventing, easily operable lid that allows for convenient drinking and automatic resealing, enhancing user safety and convenience by preventing spills and allowing single-handed use.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member positioned within the hollow interior region and operative to push the stopper into the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage container closure or lid 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 by the 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, a 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.