Beverage Lid Venting and Membrane Sealing Against Spills
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional disposable beverage container lids are inadequate in preventing leakage, especially when tipped, due to weak sealing and lack of effective venting, leading to spills and potential burns, and they often require complex structures or high manufacturing costs. Additionally, they can be contaminated by bacteria, posing health risks.
Innovation Solution
A beverage container lid with a thermally expandable material that creates negative pressure to prevent leakage, featuring a plug for the air vent and drinking hole that can be easily opened or closed, and a protective cover to prevent contamination, allowing for secure carrying and easy use without complex structures or high costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional disposable lids with exposed drinking holes and vent holes are used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing cost is low, but the sealing ability is weak and beverage leaks when tipped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane structure that can deform to seal the vent hole and drinking hole openings. This membrane acts as a dynamic seal that responds to pressure changes and container orientation, providing reliable sealing without complex mechanical components. The flexible film conforms to the opening shapes and maintains seal integrity under various conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes thermal expansion parameters by incorporating a thermally expandable material within the lid structure. When heated, this material expands to fill and seal the vent hole and drinking hole openings, automatically preventing leaks without requiring additional sealing mechanisms. This parameter-based solution transforms temperature changes into sealing action.
2Strength
If conventional disposable plastic containers are used for hot drinks, then manufacturing cost is low, but the expanded internal air at high temperature rips off the container lid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a thermally expandable material that undergoes parameter change when exposed to hot beverage temperature. This material expands upon heating to create a secure seal and anchor the lid firmly to the container, preventing lid detachment caused by internal pressure from expanded air. The thermal parameter change transforms temperature exposure into a strengthening mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If the drinking hole size is made larger for easy drinking, then ease of operation improves, but beverage spills out more easily when tipped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic sealing system where the flexible membrane can move and deform in response to container orientation and internal pressure changes. This dynamic structure maintains an effective seal at the drinking hole opening regardless of container position, preventing spills while allowing easy drinking access when the container is held upright.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane structure adapts its shape and position to maintain sealing effectiveness. When the container is tipped, the membrane deforms to close off the drinking hole opening, preventing spills. When upright, it allows easy access for drinking, thus providing both spill prevention and drinking convenience.
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 effectively prevents spills and contamination, ensuring the beverage remains sealed even when the container is tipped, while maintaining ease of use and reducing manufacturing complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
an expansion membrane made of a thermal expandable material... When filled with hot drinks, the expansion membrane will expand and bulge upwardly
Implementation Method 2
the expansion membrane is able to prevent liquid leakage to make the container suitable for carrying hot drinks
Data Source
AI summary
A lid structure is arranged for detachably coupled at a container body to enclose a container cavity thereof, wherein the lid structure includes a container lid and a protective component. The container lid has a drinking hole and an expansion membrane for creating a negative pressure within the container body when the container lid is sealed at the container body. The protective member has a fixed end extended from the container lid and a sealed end detachably engaged with the drinking hole to seal the drinking hole for prevent liquid spilling from the container cavity.