Beverage container closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lids for liquid storage vessels either lack control over fluid exit, leading to potential spills when tipped or dropped, or have always-open apertures that do not provide insulation.
Innovation Solution
A beverage container closure with a selectively openable stopper assembly that includes a stopper with cam followers and an actuating member, allowing for controlled fluid flow and insulation by moving between closed and open positions using a button-activated mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lid includes unobstructed apertures for liquid exit, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential spills when the vessel is tipped or dropped
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper assembly is designed to be movable between a first position (blocking the aperture) and a second position (allowing liquid passage). This dynamic configuration allows the lid to transition between sealed and open states, resolving the contradiction between ease of drinking and spill prevention by enabling controlled access to the liquid.
Solution Approach 2:
The button-activated mechanism provides one-handed operation capability, allowing the user to independently control the stopper position without requiring assistance from another hand or tool. The system serves itself by using the button's linear motion to directly actuate the stopper assembly through the cam mechanism.
2Reliability
If the lid includes a means for selectively opening and closing apertures, then the reliability is improved by preventing spills, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into a single integrated stopper assembly: the stopper body blocks the aperture, the cam followers engage with the cam surfaces for position control, and the button mechanism provides actuation. This consolidation achieves spill prevention without proportionally increasing complexity, as one assembly performs what would otherwise require multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam surfaces act as an intermediary mechanism between the button's linear motion and the stopper's blocking/unblocking action. The cam geometry converts the simple linear displacement of the button into the rotational or lateral motion needed to position the stopper, providing a reliable spill-prevention mechanism while keeping the actuation interface simple.
3Ease of operation
If the apertures are always open for easy access to liquid, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of energy increases due to reduced insulation from the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper assembly dynamically changes the aperture state from open to closed based on user need. When closed, it provides thermal insulation by sealing the aperture; when opened via button actuation, it allows easy liquid access. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction between insulation and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid operates in periodic cycles: closed state for insulation during non-use periods, and open state for brief access periods when liquid is consumed. This periodic switching between sealed and open configurations allows the system to maintain thermal efficiency while providing on-demand access to the liquid.
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
Enables controlled fluid exit and re-entry, preventing spills and maintaining content insulation, while allowing for easy one-handed operation and cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
first and second cam surfaces spaced apart from each other and configured for slidable engagement with the first and second cam followers, respectively
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.