Stable beverage container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage containers are prone to tipping and spilling due to their design and environmental factors, with existing spill-proof lids only effective when closed, leaving them unstable when open.
Innovation Solution
A beverage container design featuring an integrally formed base plate with a suction cup and valve system that allows for sealing engagement with external surfaces, maintaining stability and preventing spills by controlling fluid communication between the container and atmospheric pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spill-proof lid is added to prevent spilling, then spilling is prevented when closed, but the container remains unstable when the lid is open
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the stability function into two independent components: a suction cup base for stability and a spill-proof lid for spill prevention. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between spill prevention and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction cup base acts as an intermediary element between the container and the supporting surface, providing enhanced stability through vacuum adhesion. This intermediary component addresses the stability issue independently of the lid's spill-proof function.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the container is designed to be stable through a wide base, then stability is improved, but the container becomes too bulky and less portable
Solution Approach 1:
The suction cup base utilizes pneumatic principles by creating a vacuum seal between the cup and the supporting surface. This pneumatic adhesion mechanism provides strong stability without requiring a wide physical base, thus maintaining a compact container volume while achieving enhanced stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of stability from geometric (wide base) to physical (vacuum adhesion force). By transitioning from a geometry-based stability approach to a force-based approach using atmospheric pressure, the container achieves high stability with minimal volume increase.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a suction cup base is added to enhance stability, then stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction cup base is merged with the container structure, forming an integrated assembly where the base is permanently attached to the container body. This merging eliminates the need for separate assembly steps and reduces the number of independent components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining stability enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction cup base is designed to automatically create and maintain the vacuum seal without requiring active control mechanisms. The system self-regulates the vacuum level through passive design features, eliminating the need for complex control systems, sensors, or power sources, thus keeping the device simple.
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 design enhances stability and prevents spills by maintaining airtight seals and reactive engagement with surfaces, ensuring the container remains secure against lateral forces and vertical displacement.
Implementation Method 1
a suction cup defining a cavity and configured to sealingly engage the beverage container with an external surface
Implementation Method 2
forming a seal between the suction cup and the external surface... prevent fluid communication between the cavity and atmospheric pressure
Implementation Method 3
a valve operably connected to the integrally formed base plate and movable between a first position and a second position to control fluid communication between atmospheric pressure and the cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage container including an outer cup having an integrally formed base plate, an inner cup disposed in the outer cup, a base including a lower portion configured to releasably engage the beverage container to an external surface, the lower portion including a suction cup defining a cavity and configured to sealingly engage the beverage container with an external surface by forming a seal between the suction cup and the external surface, and a valve operably connected to the integrally formed base plate and movable between a first position and a second position to control fluid communication between atmospheric pressure and the cavity.