Lid assembly for a container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing re-closable lid assemblies for beverage containers face challenges in providing a reliable sealing mechanism that is simple to operate and easy to clean, especially when dealing with ice and debris, due to complex mechanisms and interference issues.
Innovation Solution
A lid assembly with a displaceable seal assembly that includes a button member, an intermediate arm, a plunger arm, and a locking member, allowing for easy actuation between sealed and open positions, and facilitating cleaning by pivoting the locking member from a locked to an unlocked position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex sealing mechanism is used to seal the fluid aperture, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a seal member that directly contacts the fluid aperture, a plunger arm that moves the seal member, and a button member that the user operates. This segmentation allows each component to be simple while achieving reliable sealing through their coordinated action.
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger arm acts as an intermediary between the button member and the seal member. When the user presses the button member, the plunger arm translates this linear motion into movement of the seal member, which then seals the fluid aperture. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the direct connection between user input and sealing action.
2Reliability
If a complex sealing mechanism is used to seal the fluid aperture, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the button member. When the user presses the button, the entire sealing sequence occurs automatically: the button moves the plunger arm, which moves the seal member to seal the aperture. No additional steps or complex user actions are required, making operation simple while maintaining reliable sealing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sealing mechanism is disposed within the interior of the removable lid, then the sealing function is integrated, but the ease of cleaning deteriorates due to bacteria and debris accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The seal member is designed to be extractable from the lid assembly. The plunger arm can be pulled outward to remove the seal member from the fluid aperture area, allowing users to easily access and clean both the seal member and the interior surfaces where bacteria and debris would accumulate. This extraction capability maintains integration during use while enabling easy cleaning when needed.
4Temperature
If ice is present in the beverage, then the beverage temperature is maintained, but the sealing mechanism operation is interfered with and full sealing is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The seal member is made of a flexible material that can deform and adapt to its surroundings. When ice is present in the beverage, the flexible seal member can conform around the ice cubes while still maintaining contact with the fluid aperture, ensuring reliable sealing even in the presence of ice. This flexibility prevents ice from interfering with the sealing 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 reliable and easy-to-clean sealing mechanism that prevents ice interference and debris accumulation, ensuring effective sealing and easy operation while maintaining a high user drink interface.
Implementation Method 1
the seal member sealingly engaging the fluid aperture when the displaceable seal assembly is in the closed first position
Implementation Method 2
an intermediate arm pivotably coupled to the base portion, a plunger arm pivotably coupled to the intermediate arm
Implementation Method 3
a locking member that is pivotably secured to a portion of the base portion and is adapted to be pivoted from a locked first position into an unlocked or unsecured second position
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2~3A
AI summary
A lid assembly (10) for a container includes a seal assembly (30) coupled to a base portion (14), and the seal assembly (30) includes an intermediate arm (32) pivotably coupled to the base portion (14) and an engagement portion disposed adjacent to a second end. The seal assembly (30) also includes a plunger arm (38) pivotably coupled to the intermediate arm (32) and a seal member (43) disposed on the plunger arm (38). Displacing a button member (20) coupled to the base portion (14) actuates the seal assembly (30) from a closed first position in which the seal member (43) seals a fluid aperture formed in a spout (15) of the base portion (14) to an open second position in which the fluid aperture is not sealed.